PICTURES: Overgrown plot in Beauly transformed into flourishing community garden
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Volunteers who have helped to transform an overgrown plot into community garden filled with produce and flowers have shown off the results of their labours at an open day.
Beauly Cares Community Garden, now in its sixth year, welcomed visitors as coronavirus restrictions have eased.
It has also issued an appeal for more volunteers to get involved as the garden – which is accessible to wheelchair users or those with mobility problems – continues to develop.
Volunteer Zane Wright said when it was first taken over, the plot had not been touched in several years but it was cleared thanks to people's enthusiasm.
Grants from SSE enabling paths to be laid and the provision of a polytunnel plus a shed had also made a huge difference while features now include a wildlife pond and this year the garden produced its first aubergine.
"It has been hard work," she said. "We have had a regular group of gardeners through those six years
"We have also had a lot of people help us on one-off projects which has been great."
Beauly Men's Shed had helped and the Co-op had also invited the garden to apply for funds.
"The community is massively supportive," she said. "We want to recognise the community role in this garden has been very important and we thank them for that."
She added the core group of about eight volunteers, aged mainly 60 to 80, would welcome more people getting involved.
Under coronavirus regulations, members were able to continue working on the garden during lockdown by working out a rota.
Ruth Harris said: "Being able to come here, kept me going during lockdown."
Mrs Harris, who enjoys vegetable gardening, added: "When you can have a meal and the only thing you have not grown is the protein, or the meat, is just marvellous.
Peter Trevethick also spent a huge amount of time at the community garden during lockdown.
"I used to have a big garden but just have a tiny courtyard now," he said.
"Having somewhere to come and continue gardening is really nice."
John Wilson, who got involved about five years ago, outlined the benefits of the community garden.
"You get to know people," he said. "You get to pick up ideas from people who know more than you. It gets you out and its good exercise."
The open day, which raised £352, included home baking, produce and plants to take home and a competition to guess the weight of a marrow.
Anyone wanting to become a volunteer should contact Frances Mackenzie on 01463 783243.
Preparing the ground for community growing plan in Inverness
