A community garden in Nantwich has unveiled a new addition where users can sit back and reap the rewards of their green-fingered endeavours.
Growing Health Community Garden CIC (GHCG), based at Brookfield Park, has thrown open the doors to a new log cabin which will provide shelter on colder days.
And it will be the perfect spot to relax and take in the glory of the garden this spring and summer.
The cabin is also home to a library stocking gardening books.
This weekend it will be the venue for a Community Open Day and Seed Swap with demos for the public to learn more about growing from seed.
An official unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning drew a good crowd including garden volunteers, GHCG directors and representatives from Cheshire YMCA, Richmond Village and Wrenbury Canalside Garden Centre which contributed to the cabin cost.
Project coordinator Adele Frost at Nantwich growing health community garden
GHCG project co-ordinator Adele Frost said: “Our original ‘club shed’ had begun to deteriorate.
“It also had a low door threshold that was unsafe for scalps above 5ft 5in!
“It let in water and gained some uninvited furry residents, so was no longer fit for purpose.
“It’s been a long held dream for the garden to house a spacious insulated cabin offering a warm dry place for beneficiaries to enjoy the garden year round while providing sufficient storage of furniture, materials and an extensive gardening library.
“Now with a wonderful new cabin, the garden reach will expand allowing more all-weather activity for larger groups, passive enjoyment seated inside looking out onto the garden and the chance for community members to enjoy additional activities such as crafting, reading and simply meeting for picnics.
“Everyone is thrilled and extends thanks to our supporters.”
Community garden opening of new log cabin
The cabin cost £3,317 with donations from YMCA Cheshire, Canalside Garden Centre and fundraising from Richmond Village Nantwich.
“The investment in the new cabin has been a huge endorsement in the value and importance of our community members who feel celebrated and recognised,” added Adele.
GHCG was set up by a group allotment enthusiasts during the first COVID lockdown to help combat social isolation and offer the mental health benefits of gardening and being outdoors to a wider community.
In May 2023, the GHCG Community Interest Company, in partnership with Nantwich Town Council, was awarded a three-year National Lottery grant to appoint project coordinator Adele.
The garden has been open to the public since July 2023 offering events, workshops and activities designed to improve mental health and wellbeing, reduce social isolation, increase self-confidence and self-esteem and provide opportunities for learning and education.
GHCG also hosts social gardening drop-in sessions 10am to noon on Tuesdays for anyone who wants to come along.
Adele promoting garden’s open day
Its community is all ages, genders and abilities – many living with complex health conditions.
And engagement has grown massively.
More than 5,300 volunteer hours have been amassed and the community has enjoyed kilos of tasty veg and fresh cut flowers.
Sarah Johansen, a GHCG director representing the community, said: “This project has been built from the ground up – and is run with passion by time- generous and enthusiastic volunteers.
“It’s a true community hub and we couldn’t be more proud.”
Spring has sprung in the garden with colourful displays of daffodils, tulips, hyacinths. Work is underway to plant carrots, parsnips and potatoes ready for a summer crop.
Long-standing volunteer Heather Hogan, 76, added: “The garden has given me a place to make wonderful new friends. I love it – although I am a fair weather gardener so the cabin is lovely spot to sit and take it all in.”
Visit the new cabin on Saturday, 10am to noon, for a community open day and seed swap event.
The morning will include seed-sowing demonstrations and an Easter hamper raffle to raise funds for further improvements such as ground levelling, painting and cabin equipment.
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