Seeds of community spirit sown in Croy for community garden open day
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An open day by Croy Community Garden Group at its garden next to the school was hailed a success, as around 100 visitors had a chance to learn about growing their own produce, plants and flowers.
There really was something for the whole family to enjoy with fun activities for children as well as a barbecue and baking stall.
Project leader James Green said: “The day went really well, it was a success to say the least.
“There were people of all ages there. We had face painting for kids, which was free of charge and we had a stone painting workshop. We did have another few things that we were planning to do to keep them occupied but as the things progressed the kids seemed to be mingling amongst themselves which was nice to see, there was a right community spirit there.
“A few people came up to me and our other members and asked about how they could get involved and what they could do to help.
“The thing is, there are a lot of us, especially the likes of myself – I have got very little gardening experience – and that is the same with a lot of our members but we are learning as we go and I think maybe that’s been what has stopped people, just because they didn’t know that.
“Everyone brings their own skill set to the table, I might be good at the sowing and planting part and some of the others are good at the more physical things. But as we are getting more people to help contribute, we have a wider range of skills and I think that is what our community garden needs to be successful.”
Project members were grateful for support from Café V8 in Inverness and Tollie Croft in Dingwall for donations for the barbecue; Hannah Mackenzie, Theresa Konkel and Anne-Marie Atkinson for the home baking; and Tornagrain Stores for soft drinks, crisps and snacks.
“Although this was an open day and wanted to give back to the community we are delighted to announce that we raised £145 through the generosity of those who attended – this money will be recycled back into the garden,” Mr Green added.
The team behind the event are hopeful that this is the first of many successful outdoor community garden events for the project which aims to encourage people of all ages to use this space to get involved in growing their own fruit, vegetables and flowers.
