On Saturday 18 April, the Children’s Food Forest Garden (in Old Witney Road play area grounds) was brought out of winter hibernation with a successful community working session, overseen by garden creator (and former councillor) Milly Chen.
She was delighted with how many people from across the community came out to help. Milly says:
“We had a good turnout, and together we achieved a huge amount, from extensive de weeding to planting new edible varieties such as Jostaberry, lovage, and thornless blackberry. We also built new supports for the raspberries.”
Now that spring has come, the site will be tended more regularly. A team of volunteers will water and de-weed the area each week, while others have offered to cut the grass each month.
Milly is hugely appreciative that the community is embracing the Food Forest Garden. “I have to say a big thank you to everyone who came along to help and has offered their time to do more maintenance,” she said. “It truly is a community project, created by the community for the community.”
For those who would like to learn more about what is happening on the site, Milly is planning an ‘open garden’ event to coincide with the Great Big Green Weekend activities.
On the morning of Sunday 14 June, she will be running two sessions (10am and 10.30am) during which she explains more about what a Food Forest Garden is and its design. She will also walk around the area, explaining what has been done and why, identifying plants and sharing some ideas for people to take home to their own garden or allotment.
The next community working session will be planned for autumn (date to be confirmed) while the primary school children already have projects and ideas for how to enhance the area further.
Residents are welcome to visit the Food Forest Garden at any time to see how the plants are developing and enjoy the community space. Anyone interested in getting more involved or seeking more information can contact Milly on millyxchen@outlook.com.