More Ringwood gardeners needed

Community First New Forest has announced the first successful match for its Let’s Get Growing project.

Let’s Get Growing was launched earlier this year.  The scheme is aimed at families in Ringwood, Hampshire who want to grow their own produce but don’t have a garden and at people who have a garden but are unable to maintain it.

Local resident Ossie Brewer was looking for a plot to grow his own vegetables and Mr Kirk was looking for someone to use his garden which was lying dormant. Mr Brewer said, “This is a great idea that lets me grow my own and keep active.” Mr Kirk will now enjoy seeing the ‘fruits’ of Ossie’s labour.

Community First New Forest has had so many enquiries from people offering gardens that they now have a surplus of land to offer.  Community Development Worker, Debbie Grace, says, “If you want to garden but do not have access to a plot then now is your chance to ‘Get Growing’!”

Let’s Get Growing enables local residents to be linked together to share a garden in the area.  Debbie explains the scheme, “People who want to take part are interviewed.  Gardens must meet certain criteria, for instance with regard to suitable growing soil and accessibility.  To make sure that there are no misunderstandings, both parties are asked to sign an agreement that clearly defines what they expect of one another.  There are plenty of gardens available so lots of scope for people to find a partnership that suits them. 

Let’s Get Growing also offers members insurance and access to information and advice on all things horticultural as well as the opportunity to meet new people.

To find out more contact Debbie Grace at Community First New Forest on 01425 482773.