Blog by Katie Tubby
Growing Spaces Coordinator, Sustainable Merton
On Friday 25th February, we welcomed a friendly group of local people to Mitcham Community Orchard and Gardens for the first in a series of food growing workshops, part of our new Growing for Good project.
We were lucky to have a lovely sunny day to get everyone in the mood for a gardening session. To start the workshop, our knowledgeable and regular volunteer, Genevieve Escudier, gave an informative introduction to the Orchard where she shared a wealth of information on its recent history and the organic principles which the Orchard is founded on.
Then, after a quick snack, it was time to get to work. The first task was to build two raised beds which will be used for sowing and growing a variety of vegetables later in the year. Inger Larson, the trainer, had it all planned out and participants had the task of sawing the wood to the right size ready for building the beds at the next session. It was great to see everyone getting involved, beginners and the more experienced alike.
It took a little longer than anticipated but we got there in the end and then it was time to head off to South Mitcham Community Centre for a spot of lunch, homemade crown prince squash soup! We are really looking forward to the next session for some more garden DIY and, hopefully, some seed sowing.
The next session will be held on Friday 25 March between 11am and 2pm.
If you would like to get involved we would love to welcome you to the group.
Please email mitchamorchard@sustainablemerton.org if you have any questions and/or want to find out more.