Exeter Community Garden enjoys the Gourd Life
A group of volunteers are carving out a reputation for growing some of the best pumpkins in Devon, just in time for Halloween.
Members of the Exeter Community Garden have recently harvested their sun ripened pumpkins, having sown the seeds for their successful crop in the summer.
The Community Garden attracts students, staff, alumni and local residents to work together and cultivate a variety of crops over the course of the year.
As well as pumpkins, the group has also grown nasturtiums and an orchard of traditional and heritage trees, nine raised vegetable beds, a huge variety of fruit, and a physic garden - a type of herb garden with medicinal plants.
The garden is the brainchild of Norrie Blackeby, who in 2011 raised the funds required to create a shared green space located on the edge of the University’s Streatham Campus.
It aims to further the causes of sustainability, biodiversity, healthy eating, the importance of reconnecting with nature for well-being, whilst strengthening ties between the University and local residents.
Dr Paul Cleave, Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Exeter Business School, and Chairman of the Community Garden said: “It does unify people, the garden brings together a diverse range of dedicated students, as well as those from the wider community through an interest in gardening and producing food in a sustainable way. We are sharing in the project, it’s a shared effort, where ideas are generated by the community.”
“I am always pleased to see new members at the garden. Everyone has something to offer and I enjoy seeing members go away with a share of the produce, whether fresh vegetables or a few herbs.”
With the plants tended to, volunteers continue to work on the garden’s mosaic using reclaimed materials to decorate a homemade cob bench, built under the direction of local cob specialist Kevin McCabe.
Libby Thompson, a nineteen year old student studying Archaeology said: “The garden is a really nice place, it’s good to be out in the fresh air, seeing how the plants have grown. I’ve enjoyed contributing to our mosaic throughout the year, its colours representing the four seasons.”
The group’s creativity stretches beyond the realm of gardening, with volunteers taking away their produce to return with edible fare. Margaret Parlett a community member and local resident said: “at 4 o’clock (tea time) it can be like ‘bake off’ with a mountain of home-made cake.” Something the community members savour and extend with a warm welcome.
Volunteers meet every Wednesday at 3pm and anybody is welcome to join. For further information, please contact Norrie Blackeby at contact@communitygarden.com
