BUDDING gardeners will soon be able to make their skills blossom thanks to a group of hard-working volunteers.
Transition Worcester has leased The Old North Stables, an area next to Pitchcroft, from Worcester City Council and its members are now busy turning it into a new garden.
Once finished, it will be used for teaching and to provide hands on gardening experience with a new orchard, rainwater collection system, a new poly tunnel and greenhouse, a floating beehive plus straw bales and raised beds.
The group has been collecting materials for the site from an array of organisations and individuals including Sanctuary Housing, Stepnell Builders and Green Party county councillor Matthew Jenkins.
A number of items have also been recycled including reclaimed concrete kerbing from the racecourse, corrugated iron from the old stable building and old tyres suitable for growing wildflowers or potatoes.
The volunteers will also be building a fire pit with seating around the outside and plan to have a small area for young children to play within the site.
Tony Kennell, who is leading the volunteers, said: “We are hoping more people will get involved and come and garden with us here at this great site.
“If you are an absolute beginner, you are welcome to come and learn with us and we hope that more experienced gardeners will come and share their skills by working alongside the beginners.”
Mr Kennell and Mike Gurney are two of the regular volunteers who have been transforming the site, but would welcome more people to help out for just a few hours each week.
In the future they are hoping to work with schools and community groups with the garden suitable for people in wheelchairs.
Transition Worcester has been successfully running seed and plant swapping events the several years, the next of which takes place Saturday, March 7 and the next plant swap on Saturday, May 9.
Anyone who wants to take part in the swap, whether or not they have seeds or plants to exchange, is welcome to join with a small donation to the organisation for seeds or plants.
