Paula - Community Growing Activist
“ I became interested in urban gardening during lockdown, when along with some neighbours, I campaigned to have a closed community garden space re-opened on my estate. I was delighted to have access to some green space – but had no idea what to do with it. I had never had a garden, or grown vegetables, and so didn't really know where to start.
In Sept 2021, I heard about the Octopus Community Plant Nursery, and started attending weekly 'sowing and growing' sessions. I immediately felt very welcome, despite my complete lack of gardening knowledge. Each week, I learn something really useful: about seeds, sowing, potting on, planting out, harvesting, soil health, composting... the list is endless.
I share this knowledge, and the many seeds, bulbs, seedlings and plants generously provided by Octopus, with the other members of my estate community garden. Slowly, we are transforming a derelict space into a precious oasis of greenery, and managing to grow some food too. I'm amazed by how much I have learnt, and really happy to be able to put it to good use.”
Steven, Caroline (Chief Plant Nurse), Paula & Hillary install a temporary shelter to make the outside space more comfortable in the sun and rain.