Grass Roots 1 The RHS Community Update

Issue 36 • Winter 2018/2019 rhs.org.uk/get-involved

Growing community Bloomers make a difference

Grow a Greening Grey Britain: RHS support Community orchard takes shape rhs.org.uk/get-involved 2 3

2 Welcome 3 Greening Grey Britain 2019 News 4 News 6 Growing as a force for good

8 Planting a hedge RHS / GUY HARROP 10 Reuse your garden sticks Welcome… 12 Urban orchards 14 Championing school ...to the winter issue of Grass Roots, the magazine for all community gardening groups, including Bloom and It’s Your Neighbourhood groups gardening and RHS Affiliated Societies.

A very happy New Year to you all! We hope or changing tack in some way. Some of Left you’ve all enjoyed a well-deserved rest and your big ideas could possibly be helped into Volunteers and have had a chance to put your feet up after being, as part of RHS Greening Grey Britain students from Dunbar the hustle and bustle of the festive period. 2019. We are again looking for innovative Grammar School put the finishing touches Just as the buds that herald spring projects that bring different generations to a sensory garden appear in the depths of winter, many of together. Find out more on the next page. they helped create for your plans for the year ahead may have been people with dementia and their carers as germinating for some time. We are excited Best wishes and happy gardening, part of Greening Grey

to see some of those plans take shape as RHS / JULIE HOWDEN Britain 2018. we begin another year of growing together. Do let us know what you have in store – @RHSBloom perhaps you’re embarking on a new project, Emily Braham, Editor New RHS support for greener communities

branching out and joining in with others, DEBOIS RHS / PAUL rhscommunitygardening Is there a neglected space in your patch you’d love to transform into a green oasis to help inspire the next generation? Apply to take part in Greening Grey Britain in 2019. Your news – from Twitter Cover image: RHS / Julie Howden The RHS is again offering a number of Grow for people Grow for wildlife RHS Regional Development Manager, Liz Stewart @Denbighinbloom The Temple Bar @Kingsbridgein We are lucky enough community groups expert, hands-on Create a garden to help promote better Creating a space for wildlife will help with The Ridge’s Craig Huggan at the Dunbar #volunteers out in force this week to be able to use spare shop windows support, plus up to £500 worth of plants health and wellbeing, such as a sensory boost local . In 2018, Bloom Greening Grey Britain 2018 garden. clearing, planting, and setting on the high street to display what we’ve and materials, for projects that transform garden for relaxation, or a therapeutic group Burncross Action Team in Sheffield This magazine is printed on paper using up bird feeders and hedgehogs houses. been up to! #bloomhour #OurBloom spaces and bring people together. growing space for those with specific partnered with schools to transform 100 percent recycled fibre. Please pass it #Dinbych #Denbigh #Community Imagine forgotten, littered corners health needs. In 2018, Dunbar Dementia a neglected council storage yard with on or recycle it. #wildlife #gardening #ourbloom @JohnMcG97393023 (McGowan) reborn as vibrant, wildflower meadows; car Carers Support Group worked with social wildflower meadows and bug hotels. Other @scottishcanals @glasgowoverpla1 parks lined with to slow the flow of enterprise The Ridge and Dunbar Grammar ideas might include growing a butterfly @PortisheadBloom Lovely to see so @ScottishPower @McDonalds storm water; or a disused space reborn as a School (pictured above), to create a place of garden to help halt the widespread decline Grass Roots is published by RHS Community many people visiting our River of Poppies @KBScotland @SustransScot combined community food garden. respite for people with dementia and their of these beautiful insects, or creating a new 80 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PE in Jubilee Park in the last few days. We’re with 71 volunteers to collect 91 Successful projects will be supported with carers. network of wildlife ponds. T: 020 7821 3122 leaving them there until 4th December, bags of litter from Murano Street a tailored approach that suits the place and E: [email protected] after which they will be sold for the Royal to Stockingfield Junction on the @ people involved, with expert advice offered Grow for the planet Please note that as this programme involves ©2019 The Royal Horticultural Society British Legion. forthclydecanl Canal a HUGE thank you. on many aspects, from planting plans to Create a garden that helps address local hands-on involvement from a member of Registered Charity no: 222879 / SC038262 community engagement. environmental issues. This might be a our Community Outreach team, we are only @ChestnutEvents A brilliant harvest Share your news with us on Twitter productive space with fresh, seasonal food able to support projects in regions where we The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s event @StramongateNews @RHSSchools @RHSBloom, email your letters to How to apply to share with others, reducing food miles, have a project officer. leading gardening charity, dedicated to the children have worked so hard all [email protected], or send by Projects must be partnership-based and or a garden made from reused materials, The RHS would like to thank M&G advancing horticulture and promoting gardening. year to produce an amazing crop and 80 post to: RHS Community Horticulture, intergenerational. At least one partner must as a Sheffield-based intergenerational Investments for its support of this Our community campaigns support more people turned up to taste their vegetable RHS, 80 Vincent Square, London SW1P either: take part in RHS Britain in Bloom, wildflower project did in 2017. If you’re programme. than 5,000 groups in creating greener and more interconnected communities. For more and leek and potato soups. Thanks to all 2PE. Letters and tweets may be edited be part of It’s Your Neighbourhood, be in a low-rainfall area, you could create a information about RHS Britain in Bloom, RHS the volunteers for supporting the event! for publication. registered as an RHS Affiliated Society, or dry garden to cope with long, hot summer To apply before the end of February, and for It’s Your Neighbourhood and RHS Affiliated be part of the RHS Campaign for School days, or for those in wetter parts of the UK, more info, visit rhs.org.uk/get-involved Societies, please visit rhs.org.uk/get-involved Gardening. This year applicants must also you might consider a rain garden or flood- Print correction: The following RHS Britain in Bloom Community Champions should have been included in the autumn issue of Grass Roots: Tony Kear, Usk; Mel Kirby, Didsbury; Amanda Stevenson, Newcastle- show how their plans fit in with at least one resilient planting. under-Lyme and Lynette Talbot, Sidmouth. of the following themes:

Grass Roots • Winter 2018/2019 rhs.org.uk/get-involved 4 5 RHS / HELEN YATES Bloom at Tatton Community grants in 2019 The Big Lottery Fund is calling Would your gardening group like to for applicants to the Reaching design a Blooming Border for RHS Communities programme, with RHS School Flower Show Tatton Park 2019? grants of more than £10,000 This year the theme is ‘Hot Topics’ available to groups in England for – a chance to explore a pressing projects that bring people together. Gardeners of issue on a local, national or even Project activities, operating costs, international scale. Your design organisational development the Year will need to be planted-up on site and capital costs are all eligible. between 8 and 15 July, before Find out more and apply with a Do you know a fabulous school gardening being judged and going on display. summary of your idea in the first group, a young gardening star, or a Visit rhs.org.uk/getinvolvedshows instance, at biglotteryfund.org.uk/ gardening leader who inspires young people or contact Ashleigh Griffith on funding/programmes/reaching- to get growing? Entries are now open for [email protected]/ communities-england the 2019 RHS School Gardeners of the Year 020 7821 3098, for more. competition, so why not nominate them for an award in recognition of their hard work? Passing the taste test The School Gardening Champion of the Fund for rural If your group holds annual Year does not need to be a teacher – you communities horticultural shows, when judging do could nominate a community volunteer that you consider the taste as well as the Community groups in an area not appearance of fruit and vegetables? helped set up a school gardening project, on the main UK gas network could for example. Some groups are relaxing the rules of be eligible for a grant from Calor. their competitions and introducing Shreya Per was one of the Visit schoolgardening.rhs.org.uk to apply Grants of up to £5,000 are on offer young winners in 2018. before 24 April. new elements in a bid to bring in for projects that aim to improve a new members. We’d love to hear community, such as a new public your experiences or views. Email garden. The fund opens in March, [email protected] before the end with communities encouraged to of February.

register interest at calor.co.uk/ DEBOIS RHS / PAUL communityfund Bloom criteria updated Get all our RHS allotment Following feedback from hundreds of news online Bloom groups, the RHS Britain in Bloom Salford grows well visits in 2019 Did you know that you can access marking criteria are being updated RHS Garden Bridgewater has teamed The RHS Fruit, Vegetable and Herb all the issues of Grass Roots on our to reflect the changing nature of the up with Salford CVS to encourage Committee is hoping to share its website? Feel free to share this link programme. From 2019, 40 percent of community groups to transform their expertise with allotment and community with your co-gardeners and friends. all marks will be awarded to efforts in local green spaces. The Grow Well gardeners in 2019. fund, supported by NHS Salford CCG, If you sign-up to our monthly e-news horticulture, with 30 percent devoted you can also have it delivered straight Members of the committee and RHS to community and 30 percent to the is supporting projects that promote staff are available to visit groups to discuss wellbeing through community to your inbox each quarter, along environment, replacing the previous split of all aspects of edible crop production. The gardening. The fund is part of a wider with monthly news, tips and case 50, 25 and 25. This recognises the growing visits could cover topics such as ground programme of community outreach studies on growing better with others. importance of community engagement and Visit rhs.org.uk/grassroots preparation, cultural techniques, choice of RHS / RICHARD DAWSON work to get Salfordians growing environmental stewardship to groups across cultivars and pest and disease control. ahead of the fifth RHS Garden the UK. New marking sheets have been The visit could take the form of an onsite opening in 2020. Pupils shine in Green adopted by UK Finals judges for 2019, and Water stories tour with plot holders to discuss the site’s Plan It Challenge may be adopted by Regions and Nations at Below Has your club or community production in detail. This could also be More than 1,000 12–14-year-olds took part varying times. See rhs.org.uk/get-involved/ RHS Britain in Bloom gardened with a focus on water? followed by a more formal question and judge Jon Wheatley How do you in the RHS Green Plan It Challenge in 2018, britain-in-bloom, or contact your co- viewing the WI celebrate? We are interested in your best answer session with a larger audience, designing gardens for their schools and ordinator or RHS Communities for more. Garden in Usk, Wales. examples of saving water, such as possibly as part of an evening event. Community groups are quite rightly communities. The pupils were challenged through innovative water harvesting Members will be visiting East keen to celebrate their anniversary to come up with a garden design in small or drought-tolerant planting. We’d Worcestershire, South Staffordshire and milestones, perhaps using them as teams, supported by an industry mentor. also like to hear your experiences the West Midlands from 28–30 June 2019. a chance to bring in new members. of dealing with too much water, Designs ranged from hydroponic balconies Todmorden in Bloom in West If your group works in one of these areas for garden-less buildings to calming, plant- including planting for flood resilience and is interested and available at this time, Yorkshire, which celebrates 20 years or creating rain gardens. Please filled retreats for exam-stressed pupils. in 2019, is looking for bright ideas please contact [email protected]. Some previous participants have gone on share your stories or future plans uk to arrange your visit. to mark the occasion. We’d love to before the end of February at to create their gardens, including the 2016 share your ideas and experiences [email protected]

Scottish winners, Notre Dame High School, RHS/ ADRIAN WHITE – if you’ve celebrated an anniversary which created a sensory garden for people recently, tell us how you did it on with dementia. More teams will now be able Twitter, tagging @RHSBloom or to follow suit thanks to a new Community email [email protected] Outreach support scheme to assist them.

Grass Roots • Winter 2018/2019 rhs.org.uk/get-involved 6 7

Right The verdant Berries and Blooms community allotment, Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Below Allotment volunteers Thomas Balmer and John Logan (centre) with RHS judges and project partners on their Bloom UK Finals judging day, 2018. ROCHDALE IN BLOOM ROCHDALE

Left, above SIMON GRAHAM SIMON GRAHAM The restored woodland used as an outdoor classroom by five schools and managed by Rochdale in Bloom. Left Rochdale in Bloom Growing communities volunteers taking a pause from planting the Wonderwall outside

How two communities overcame significant challenges and brought CLUB FOOTBALL ROCHDALE Spotland Stadium. people together through innovative gardening programmes.

Rochdale’s pebble effect award in 2018, describes the effect the possible, or matches up similar smaller Blooming Ballymena residents now enjoy, the real transformation Residents worked closely with Northern Earlier this decade, Rochdale found itself in programme has had locally. ‘Previously groups so that they can share plans and Berries and Blooms is a thriving community has been in the way they’ve taken Ireland Housing Executive and community the headlines for all the wrong reasons, but there was only negative press, but all those learn from each other. allotment that sits directly within a housing ownership of the plots, says Thomas Balmer growing leaders at Out There Services more recently it has begun to be singled- fears of what kind of place Rochdale is have Many new memorial gardens to estate in Drumtara, Ballymena in Northern of the residents’ association that took on to set the project up. Early horticulture out for a much cheerier cause. The large been blown away,’ he says. ‘It’s a deprived commemorate the First World War were Ireland. In 2012 the residents had first co-ordination of the project. training days were held on topics such as town, northeast of Manchester, is now area, but Bloom has given us that infectious also born in 2018, allowing some villages expressed the wish for a community ‘The project has made a phenomenal fruit and vegetable planting, and jam- and being seen as a place of resilience, in part spirit and everybody has got behind it.’ to hold their first ever local Armistice Day growing space to transform the neglected difference to the community here,’ he said. chutney-making, and they held a ‘plot to through residents’ remarkable efforts One of the most popular recent projects events. Volunteers have also restored land in the centre of the site, which was ‘Some of the residents with physical and plate’ challenge. Residents are also working in community gardening. has been the aptly named Wonderwall a large number of derelict allotments a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and mental health problems have found a new towards their City & Guilds Practical Rochdale in Bloom sprung up in 2010 garden – a high-achieving IYN outside at learning centre the Growth Project, fly-tipping. Their hard work and persistence lease of life and a real sense of purpose. It’s Horticulture Skills, Level 1. around three projects, and has blossomed Spotland Stadium (home to Rochdale working with people with mental health finally paid off – in 2016, a £267,000 grant hard to describe the impact it’s had; most The group now holds three-course into a 31-strong It’s Your Neighbourhood AFC and Rochdale Hornets), where the issues alongside the charity Mind. At the from the Department for Communities people had never gardened before and now allotment lunches each week, with goods (IYN) network, including, ‘friends hit Wonderwall by the band Oasis is the same time, a former neglected woodland at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council everyone does – men, women, young and picked from the site and fresh eggs from of’ groups, schools and charities – a theme song. Several new IYNs emerged has been restored with the help of the helped bring it into being. old. It’s really brought people together and the group’s own free-range chickens. The considerable feat for a programme with from this effort, a trend Roy has observed Countryside Rangers, Groundwork and Residents embraced the opportunity and it just seems to get stronger and stronger.’ allotment holders also run an annual Berries less than £5,000 annual funding. and encouraged, describing it as the Community Payback. The woodland, which now run the site as a social enterprise, with The group now makes up part of and Blooms Allotment Challenge with In 2018, the volunteer team won Gold Bloom pebble effect. ‘Most groups have has seen a four-fold increase in the number funds going back into the development of Ballymena in Bloom, which last year awards given for the best jams, chutneys, at the Britain in Bloom awards in Belfast, at least one spin-off IYN now – it’s really of wildflower species recorded on site since the project. The once bare site now holds competed in the UK Finals, representing flowers and vegetables on display. The before being handsomely rewarded at the spreading,’ he says. A planted urban trail 2013, is used as an outdoor classroom by 33 allotment plots, alongside a polytunnel, Ulster. Visiting judges Rae Beckwith and highly prized ‘Golden Gnome’ is awarded North West in Bloom awards, scooping for an over 60s walking group and a garden five schools in the area. timber pergolas, raised vegetable beds, James Cordingley described Berries and to the Best Kept Allotment of the year – more awards than any other town in at an assisted living complex for people ‘So for us, Bloom is like the nucleus and sheds, and ornamental planting. Allotment Blooms as, ‘The most remarkable allotment. now the measure of ‘allotment harmony’, the competition. with disabilities are two that have arisen then loads of networks and projects come holders are also planning for a small native It has changed the lives of those living in according to RHS judges. The energetic chair of Rochdale in Bloom, out of the original project. off that,’ Roy explains. ‘It’s not even about orchard and an outdoor pizza oven to the area and working on the site, and Roy Down, who was also recognised with a The core volunteer team at Rochdale gardening for a lot of people. I’m hopeless complete their food-growing hub. there is no doubt it will be a model for North West in Bloom Community Champion in Bloom mentors newer groups where with plants, it’s all about people.’ Aside from the sweeping green vistas others going forward.’

Grass Roots • Winter 2018/2019 rhs.org.uk/get-involved 8 9 RHS / NEIL HEPWORTH RHS / TIM SANDALL Planting Prepare a line of weed-free, firm, fertile soil by digging then set hedging plants at 30–50cm intervals, depending on the plant used. The roots should be only just covered in soil, and the soil firmed around them. A garden line helps ensure straightness where required. A double row of staggered plants gives quicker results, though is not essential. Hedging plants may be small, but they are inexpensive and usually grow fast. At RHS Garden Wisley, the practice is to trim just the sides as they grow to produce dense growth, and only start trimming the top as the plants begin to reach the desired final height. Weed control, protection from grazers such as rabbits, and summer watering is important for the first two years. For hedges in shady areas, consider evergreens that will grow when most trees are leafless; Portugal and cherry laurel, holly and yew, for example. Hedges in shade Left won’t be quite as dense as those that grow A mature native in the open and will need careful watering hawthorn hedge can to get them started when they have to act as a wildlife refuge compete with roots. The advantage is as well as a natural boundary and garden that they will grow more slowly and need feature. less cutting.

Creating a wildlife-friendly barrier The sad case of Plant a hedge An instant natural barrier can be created box hedges very cheaply from dead – this As if fungal box blight RHS Chief Horticulturist Guy Barter gives some sound advice on type of barrier is called a ‘dead hedge’and diseases were not selecting and planting a natural garden barrier. is often found in managed woodlands or enough, box tree reserves. It makes good use of cuttings and caterpillar has now garden debris while providing a arrived in Britain. A hedge is a great way to create a natural and Elaeagnus × ebbingei, the foliage will or informal, requiring less upkeep and being for insects and beetles as well as a rich Between them these boundary for a garden or community provide extra cover. more wildlife friendly. feeding ground for small mammals such problems mean a dark space and is often beneficial to wildlife. Evergreen plants make excellent hedges; Some woody plants, large shrubs and as hedgehogs. Creating a dead hedge is a shadow is hanging Mixed hedges – those that contain many cherry laurel, native holly, Portugal laurel, trees respond to repeated clipping from great activity for volunteers or for young over the future of different types of plants – are more evergreen oak (Quercus ilex) and privet an early age to shape them into a hedge. people in a school environment, since its box – the best of all valuable for wildlife than a hedge grown are all reliable options. Conifers, with the Hazel makes an indifferent hedge, while creation can be tied in with science or small hedges. The of a single species. Many bird species nest exception of yew (arguably the best of beech and hornbeam make excellent conservation learning. RHS is researching and seek berries within the protection of an all hedges), are best treated with caution hedges. Hornbeam, along with lime, is For an attractive and wildlife-friendly these problems and established hedge. Bumblebees nest at the – western red cedar and Leyland cypress especially suitable to pleaching (interlacing barrier, drive a parallel line of upright poles evaluating potential base or forage for nectar, and many other make lovely mossy hedges, but are prone young trees to form an elevated canopy). into the ground every 1.5 metres. Chicken box tree substitutes, insects make their homes in hedges too. to dead patches and if they become unruly In a wildlife-friendly hedge, ideally only wire can be used to define the space to but given this, box Small mammals will take shelter in hedges, may respond poorly to being cut back. a portion of the hedge should be cut back be filled, but if your hedge is a boundary, may not currently as will frogs, toads and newts if conditions Annual pruning or clipping of a hedge is each year, leaving some older, bushier be sure hedgehogs have somewhere to be the most reliable are damp. necessary to stop it from doing what comes growth for winter food as well as bird pass through. Pack prunings lengthways. option for your A typical British wildlife hedge will naturally – turning into trees. This is best nesting sites in spring. The untrimmed Depending on the uprights, the ‘hedge’ can project, particularly contain hawthorn, blackthorn, field maple, carried out in winter when the hedging is section is also more likely to flower the be up to around 2m tall. RHS if you are averse to spindle bush, guelder rose, wild rose and dormant, and to make sure that wildlife following year. The twigs will rot and crumble quite Above chemical control www. holly, the only evergreen. Having said that, won’t be disturbed. Avoid nesting season quickly, and this decaying timber has A dead hedge, such as rhs.org.uk/advice/ wildlife value. Simply top up the shrinking this one at RHS Garden profile?pid=88 a single-species hedge can still provide between early March and the end of August Wisley is a great way to a useful function for wildlife particularly too. Hedges can be clipped into formal prunings each year and from time to time, create a rich habitat for in winter, and if it is evergreen such as shapes, best suited to tight spaces or formal knock in replacement uprights. invertebrates and their many feeders. Photinia, Portugal laurel, Lonicera nitida gardens, or allowed to be relatively scraggy

Grass Roots • Winter 2018/2019 rhs.org.uk/get-involved 11

Sources of sticks If you don’t have a good source of sticks in your patch, your local wildlife reserve may have coppiced or pollarded trees that RHS / NEIL HEPWORTH they maintain, and may allow access to offcuts. The Community Forest Association, National Coppice Federation, or the company Coppice Products may also be able to assist.

Other things to consider ✿ Ash tree dieback – please note that it is not currently permitted to move ash seeds or trees. However, ash timber can be moved. ✿ Oak trees are not often pollarded or coppiced nowadays, but it is important that any oak tree products in areas

RHS / TIM SANDALL where oak tree processionary moth RHS / NEIL HEPWORTH RHS / NEIL HEPWORTH occurs are not moved out of such areas. ✿ Felling licences are required to fell trees other than in private gardens. Some trees may fall under Tree Protection Orders (TPO), or be in a conservation area and so permission must be sought before Top any cutting goes ahead. Stream banks stabilised with woven willow. Left Stick science Young pea plants and twiggy pea sticks. • All plants have a root-shoot balance, and if Above shoots are removed the plant will grow more Woven wicker supports, or foliage to reset that balance. ‘hurdles’ for border edges. • Deciduous trees store nutrients in their Which stick for what? roots. These reserves allow particularly speedy regrowth if shoots or boughs • The most straightforward use for be used without being soaked but de- are pruned. straight and strong prunings is as pea thorned, of course. • Plants that respond well to , sticks and stakes, for tomatoes or kale. • Heavier stems are commonly such as hazel, or to pollarding, such as • Small wigwams can be woven from interleaved with sturdier uprights to willow, are especially likely to send out pliable material to provide support make woven hurdles (traditionally masses of speedy, straight shoots that lend for plants such as Rhodochiton or from hazel, for enclosing sheep) and Up sticks themselves to basketry, weaving, hurdle- Thunbergia and taller ones for more plant supports. making or trimming into stakes, poles or substantial plants such as pumpkins Maintaining and pruning trees and woody plants creates garden waste • Light timbers of chestnut may be pea sticks. This is due to their having a or squash. that can serve a purpose, as RHS Chief Horticulturist Guy Barter explains. nailed to a frame to make gate-like reserve of buds (epicormic buds) beneath • Wigwams can be extended to hurdles. Short ‘hurdles’ (as in the A wide range of woody plants yield sticks, The practices of coppicing (repeatedly their bark that lie dormant until released become lengthy supports and photograph above) can be used as into growth by pruning upper parts of the stems and supports that have many uses cutting trees to ground level to induce complicated stick structures for rows edging for beds and borders. tree that normally inhibit these buds. in the garden. Prunings from garden shrubs many shoots) or pollarding (where a tree is such as Kolkwitzia and Philadephus could of runner beans and other climbers. • Willow plantations exist today for Deciduous oaks, for example, have cut back so the stems sprout at the top of provide material of sufficient size to be • Pliable stems, a feature of immature basket- and coffin-making though fewer dormant buds and are less suited to the decapitated trunk) generate abundant used for staking, while dogwoods and shoots can be woven to make baskets. much of their former widespread use coppicing and make poor hedges. shoots, canes, stems or poles depending willows yield coloured shoots that can be Willow, specially grown for this in and industry has faded • Evergreens don’t become fully dormant on the length of the regrowth. fashioned into decorative supports. Native purpose and stripped of its bark is away. In some places, the practice is so are usually less suited to pollarding Sticks are not very durable and become or naturalised plants such as spindle bushes, the most familiar wood used for being revived in a bid to encourage and coppicing than deciduous plants brittle within a year or so outdoors, often hazels, sweet chestnut, poplar and willow basketry but any shoots from garden, the higher levels of biodiversity once (eucalyptus is an exception), but many crumbling in their second year. Happily, all yield great pliable material that can be hedgerow or forest can be used. encountered in coppiced plantations. make excellent hedges. utilised around the garden. Ash in particular discarded and decomposing sticks add Soaking the stems in water for That their production doesn’t makes good poles. great benefit to wildlife. several days before weaving them contribute to carbon emissions, nor Garden prunings of one-year old woody Not all uses of sticks are utilitarian – makes the stems much more flexible, add to landfill as plastic or metal stems are usable for basket-making, while children will instinctively use suitable sticks although some such as bramble can options do, is another advantage. 10-year old lengths are suitable for hurdles. to construct dens, for example. RHS / GEORGI MABEE

rhs.org.uk/get-involved 12 13 SOCIAL ORCHARDS

Far left The food forest garden showing the multiple ‘storeys’, at Karuna Garden, Shropshire, which provided inspiration for Social Orchards. Left KARUNA INSIGHT DESIGN Pupils from Culvers House Primary School plant some of the first trees at Social Orchards’ site in Hackbridge, south-west London.

Overcoming early hurdles While the project is now progressing with support from across the community, Robert admits that there were several times in trying to get it off the ground that he was almost deterred. ‘It was a bit cart before the horse, and I wasn’t quite as joined up with other groups as I should have been, but thankfully everybody is on board and receptive now,’ he explains. ‘There were various times that I started to regret it and I thought about giving up. But I have found that it does have a future, Big idea bears fruit and also it’s not my project, or my orchard – it’s for the community and we’ll find a way though.’ Robert was surprised at the bureaucratic stages needed to begin work on the first orchard, which are An ambitious idea for a networked food Forming connections community gardens, railway stations and in schools, for ongoing. ‘There was an understanding that we would forest in south-west London to encourage The group has been busy connecting with growers, example – we want to show that any size space can be get a licence in 2017, but it didn’t come through until healthy living, help reduce food poverty and schools, housing associations and residents in the area, used to grow food.’ Easter 2018,’ he explains. ‘Then I realised that I also tackle flood risk is beginning to take shape. seeking support and planting sites, with a long-term Eventually the main orchard in Hackbridge, which needed to supply eight different documents, as well as goal of volunteers adopting different sections of the draws inspiration from the Karuna Garden in Shropshire checks on archaeology, hydrology and contamination.’ The idea of a food forest for the suburb of Hackbridge trail. There are plenty of ideas for collaboration, says (above), will have seven layers, in a permaculture Though there is a lot of work ahead, the project has been slowly brewing for the past decade, with Robert, including for a sensory garden, live storytelling method that allows a natural symbiosis between is beginning to take shape and Robert is full of residents keen for more usable green space, as well events, art installations, food events, and a traditional different plants and wildlife. These layers are known as enthusiasm. ‘I now feel really fulfilled, really excited as new solutions to the high levels of food poverty in apple blessing or wassailing, in January, complete with ‘storeys’ and include: an ‘overstorey’, or canopy (large when I think about it,’ he says. ‘It’s not just about the area. However, it took a substantial leap in early morris dancers. fruit and nut trees); and ‘understorey’ tree layer (dwarf me, or what I get out of it, it’s much more than that, 2018 when volunteer Robert Walker secured a £10,000 Fruit from the orchards will be available to the and smaller varieties); a shrub layer (such as currants but when I saw the first blossom in May and June, I grant (from Tesco’s Bags of Help), which allowed him community for free and there are plans to link in with and berries); a herbaceous layer (herbs and comfreys); thought this is just magic, brilliant. In our last planting to drive the project forward. The grant meant planting the local community food box scheme run by Sutton root layer, or rhizosphere (root vegetables); soil layer day we put in 60 trees and suddenly it’s looking a bit for the first orchard could begin, along with planting Community Farm, as well as to help supply food banks. (groundcoverers such as strawberries) and a vertical like an orchard.’ in a churchyard, a school and two community centres, Happily, Robert discovered the restoration of a layer (climbing fruit and vines). which volunteers hope will eventually link to a network historic orchard under way at the nearby Beddington ‘It has taken on its own shape to an extent, but we of food gardens along the 12 mile-long Wandle Valley Park, while a Transition group planted pear trees have plans to have soft fruit more accessible at the For more information see socialorchards.co.uk. If you walking trail and beyond. at Hackbridge Railway Station, offered further front of the site, with pears, nuts and apples slightly are interested in being part of a food forest network, The group is now known as Social Orchards, a connections. ‘Our idea is to eventually plant all up and further away, and everything sited for its harvesting or on speaking to Robert about your own ideas for a registered RHS Affiliated Society and Community down the Wandle River (a tributary of the Thames) need,’ says Robert. The group was also donated 450 similar project, contact [email protected]. Interest Company, with hopes to become a template and into Wandle Valley Regional Park,’ he explains. ‘wild harvest’ and hedging species from the Woodland and hub for community food growing projects. We want to give fruit trees for planting in parks, Trust, which have kept them busy planting.

Grass Roots • Winter 2018/2019 rhs.org.uk/get-involved 14 15 RHS / SUZANNE PLUNKETT Set up a gardening project with a school Making contact Seek out a teacher that has shown an interest. If you are contacting the school cold, start with the receptionist or business manager and find out who best to speak to. Look at the school website or social media feeds first to see if they have a gardening club or eco-club and who runs that. Approach several schools, as Left they will have different priorities and won’t all be able to take up Matt Willer, School Gardening Champion your offer. Primary schools are often smaller and less complex of the Year, 2018. to negotiate and may have more flexibility in terms of the types Below of activities they can take up. If you are invited to a meeting, be Students on a tour of prepared, perhaps with a presentation. RHS Garden Wisley as part of Green Plan It Challenge, 2018. Make a plan Have some ideas for how you might work together, but be open to RHS / RICHARD DAWSON suggestions and stay flexible. Perhaps you can help the pupils raise seedlings in your greenhouse, or host a joint garden fundraiser. If you would like pupils to visit or help with a community site, ideally find one in easy reach of the school, allowing the pupils to walk there and back again during the school day. If you’ve found a suitable space, be prepared to allow them to wholly adopt it. Think about how the project will be funded – schools are almost always short of funds. Would your local council support a school and community project, or could businesses get involved?

Make it relevant Activities can be tied into the curriculum. For example, nature identification and life cycle studies with science; measurements of spaces with maths; or using the space to spur creative writing or drawing. However, many schools will see the benefit as more fundamental, helping with children’s overall wellbeing and encouraging their connection with nature.

Make it fun Growing with teenagers Once you’ve set up your project, make it hands-on – show them what to do, but let them have fun and do it their way. It may not be as perfect as if you do it but it will be their own work. Get Matt Willer, 2018 RHS School When I started The Allotment Project, I of ownership. As I say, almost daily: ‘this just to help young people pass their exams. them involved in everything – from weeding, to tending plants to Gardening Champion, shares had two volunteers from the sixth form. is not the ‘Mr Willer Project’ this is The The Allotment Project was, among other harvesting, but understand there will be varying attention spans how The Allotment Project, Almost four years on, there are easily Allotment Project and it belongs to you motivating factors, set up to counter this and skill levels. Don’t bore them with too many facts at a time, instead let them discover things for themselves through doing. Help a sustainable garden he started at 100 people engaged in many different because you are part of it.’ Does it really exam-centric culture. It also saved me, them feel it is their space, so ask what they would like to achieve Reepham High School in Norfolk, ways. From children coming down for matter if someone makes something that without question, from quitting as a school with it. recharged his batteries and the daily lunchtime session, to Duke of is a bit wonky? Who cares! They made it teacher, which I came close to doing. Now I captured the community’s Edinburgh’s Award participants, through for the allotment and that makes it extra get the greatest sense of achievement that Invite others imagination. to local volunteers that join our community awesome. Nature doesn’t have any straight I have ever experienced in my whole life. It Hold open days so people in the area can see what is happening, sessions. Once a few get involved, more will lines anyway. has been an incredible journey since that or volunteer sessions for adults wanting to get involved. Also invite come, but to sustain their engagement for A community or school garden should not cold winter’s morning in February 2015. in other schools from nearby to encourage a true community. years to come, you have to make it clear just be a place to work, work, work! It should Using The Allotment Project as a place Some school and community gardens also run family sessions their effort is truly valued. also be a place to relax and feel human of healing and refuge was something where keen kids can bring parents, siblings, grandparents to, say, For me it’s all about making the students again. The Allotment Project is, of course, that we discovered by accident; it was not a Sunday morning session, helping you to reach new audiences. genuinely feel that it is, with no façade, about encouraging young people to lead part of the original design. We found that their project, so I aim to involve them more sustainable lives, but it also serves as many volunteers just wanted to be at The Reward effort as much as I can from planning right an escape. Talking face to face, laughter Allotment Project to escape the bustle of Think of how to celebrate what you’ve achieved. You might like through to creating. At The Allotment and banter and not using mobile phones, the school day, to find some peace. Of to enter the school garden or its produce in a local show, or set a Project we (staff, parents and community are just as essential as making compost, course, the location was key. Again, rather challenge, such as the recent RHS Monster Pumpkins competition, volunteers) have a site ethos where the or sowing seeds. It’s all about helping by accident, we discovered that where we or of course, suggest they enter the local Bloom competition. young people are asked their opinion and, people feel good about themselves. Modern were working was the perfect spot – not too where possible, these ideas are acted on. education can be very hard on students, far from the main buildings, but far enough Thank you to Kerry Wheatley from Chaucer School and Paul Dee I’ve found that instilling a sense of value with what seems like assessment after that people could remove themselves from from Hitchin Youth Allotment for their tips. in our young volunteers brings a wonderful assessment. Tests are clearly important, the noise of the school grounds. positive energy and, with it, a high degree but, I refuse to accept that I am employed

Grass Roots • Winter 2018/2019 rhs.org.uk/get-involved 16 Nurture and grow

How would you deal with an injury or damage to property as part of your gardening activities? Liberty Specialty Markets is perfectly placed to help. We are proud to support The Royal Horticultural Society in offering a range of insurance solutions to suit the needs of Britain in Bloom, It’s Your Neighbourhood, RHS Affiliated Societies, and other community groups. Now is the time to plan for the new year.

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Sheds, Equipment, Cups & Trophies from £70 (including Insurance Premium Tax and RHS administration costs). Cover can be purchased at any time throughout the year, from 1st February 2019. For Britain in Bloom, It’s Your Neighbourhood and community groups, please find further details on rhs.org.uk/communitiesinsurance or call 0207 821 3122 For Affiliated Societies, please find further details on rhs.org.uk/affiliatedsocietiesinsurance or call 01483 226 554

Liberty Specialty Markets (LSM) is a trading name of the Liberty Mutual Insurance Group (LMIG). LSM is headquartered at 20 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 3AW, UK. For more information, please see www.libertyspecialtymarkets.com. Policies are underwritten by LMIG companies or our Lloyd’s syndicate. When we offer insurance products we will state clearly which insurer will underwrite the policy. Any description of cover in this document does not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of any cover we may provide, which will be contained in the policy wording itself..

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