Several years ago Gina decided that the area at the top of the cycle track that cuts across Medway Drive would make a lovely community garden. It was a waste of space created when Niort Way was made. The cycle track carries on down the hill but the old road goes on to a dead end. Perfect for a wildflower meadow and some raised beds on the tarmac area.
The County Council said it was not their land and Wellingborough Council cut the grass but would not admit it was their land. The current Mayor at the time told her to “Go for it! Who is going to bother about a few plants?”
So began her guerilla garden. She stopped the council cutting the grass and let it grow wild. She sowed wildflower seeds and yellow rattle to weaken the grass and let the wildflowers grow. She made raised beds out of old pallets and planted vegetables. Just when she was about to get people involved, COVID hit. So she carried on alone. The yellow rattle grew and thrived. The raised beds survived. Parsley did very well. More wildflowers appeared and so did the butterflies.
Our Community Garden has survived the winter but not without some damage. Someone decided to rip out one of the posts from the compost bin and proceed to smash everything they could. All the pots with strawberry runners in were destroyed but one plant survived. The raised beds have all been clad now and three small raised beds have been added. The council have stopped mowing the meadow without being asked and the yellow rattle is growing everywhere. Hopefully we will have more flowers in the meadow this year.
We have sown seeds in the raised beds but the three new ones still need planting. We will be cutting lazy beds out of the grass in front of the garden to plant potatoes and runner beans. We have decided to have our work days on Fridays this year, from 3-5pm every other week starting this week, Friday 5th May. Anyone who would like to help will be welcome to join us but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Please email us or keep an eye on our Community Allotment Facebook group or blog for ways to get involved: