Maryon Park Community Garden – Report for Friends of Maryon Parks: June 2024

Open Days

The 2024 ‘Good to Grow’ Open Day Saturday 27^th April was a success with over 80 visitors and £200 raised for the work of the Community Garden and Forest School. The next Open Day will be Sunday 30^th June for the ‘Picnic in the Park’ event in Maryon Park when the Community Garden will have a plant sale.

Gardening and Growing

Plot-holders are starting to harvest winter crops with chard, garlic, rhubarb, and spring salad coming into season. With the wettest and warmest May since records began slugs and snails have become a challenge with plot holds trying different methods to control the plant eating pests.

Forest School

Our qualified ‘Forest School Leader’ and child minder, Chevonne, has been appointed to run Cherry Orchard Nursery but intends to keep her sessions in the Forest School.

Community Garden Members

The Community Garden plot holders are an international group with members from different backgrounds including Albania, Ghana, Greece, Nepal, and the USA.

Volunteers

We have a new young Wednesday volunteer, Kalvis, from Latvia, who has experience of gardening. The Good Gym the fitness group have been back working on the first Saturday in the month.

Visitors

The number of visitors to the Community Garden on Wednesdays and Saturdays has increased since the weather has improved. We have 15 people in the Community Garden last Wednesday.

Vandalism and Fundraising

The Community Garden has suffered from its first serious vandalism with two sheds and a shelter damaged. Repairs costs are over £700. Our Vice-Chair Dr. Paul Breen is organizing a pub quiz at the Bugle Horn Pub in Charlton Village on Thursday 13^th June from 7.30pm to help raise funds..

Website, Facebook, and X (Formally Twitter)

The Community Garden has a social media presence and continues to provide regular photos and updates on the MPCG Facebook page ‘Maryon Park Community Food Growing Project.’Our events are posted on our Website and X.

The Green Room

Our large indoor space, overlooking the park ‘The Green Room’ is available for meetings, teaching, therapy, and counseling sessions at £5 an hour.