On 21st March, we hosted our very own Big Dig at the Phipps Bridge Community Garden. Events took place across the UK to get people involved in their local growing spaces.
Despite the slight chill in the air, around 25 people came along to help us prepare the garden for the new growing season. Volunteers from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community got stuck in to digging a large patch for potato planting, while the rest of the team made a great start on tackling brambles and prepping areas for beetroot and carrots.
Regular volunteers gave newcomers a guided tour of the garden and were happy to share their gardening experience, along with tips on organic food growing, such as using nettles as a natural pesticide.
We were also joined by two local police officers, who came along to engage with local residents, before offering to take on the role of tea makers. They did a great job with the drinks, which were enjoyed with a delicious cake (or two) home-made by Sustainable Merton’s Ruth.
It was then back to work to continue raking the soil and sowing seeds before finishing up for the day. Everyone who came along did a fantastic job and we’d like to say a big thank you for all of your help!