Gardening award
The Mansfield church group has only been together for two years but has already picked up three awards including last week’s from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) for its borders, bug hotels, and a healthy budget from the sale of produce.
Jeff Bates, RHS assessor said in his report: “The transformation has been remarkable. The group has expanded and it was lovely to meet more volunteers”.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Isobel Bounford, an organiser and keen gardener was invited with fellow gardener Sheila
Shorthouse, to receive the award. She said, “We couldn’t believe it when we were awarded an
“Outstanding”! The recognition of our efforts by the RHS assessors and the opportunity to hear
about other inspiring community gardening projects has given us a huge boost. Congratulations to
Advertisement
Advertisement
everyone who has contributed in any way to St Mark’s Community Garden and looking forward to
another year of growth.”
Keith Hebden, whose vicarage garden has been given over to the project – along with church grounds
– said, “This project has been supported by the whole church, with a small team doing the grafting,
but the biggest contribution has been from nature: we’ve had all sorts of surprises with the wild flower
Advertisement
Advertisement
meadow. We’re growing community as well as plants and it feels great.”
Where: St Mark’s Church Yard and Community Garden
What: RHS “It’s Your Neighbourhood” Award: Level 5 “Outstanding”
Who: St Mark’s Green and Wild group.
Contact: Keith Hebden 01623 628067