The prospect of digging earth for an afternoon has limited appeal. Even with the promise of barbecued food, which those canny lot at Transition Newton Abbot used to entice people to their digging day at Vicary’s Field community garden, Baker’s Park, Newton Abbot. But a community garden isn’t all about toil.
The digging was to create a pond and prepare the ground for the seed – red clover, which would trap nitrogen, thereby increasing the soil’s fertility making it perfect for other crops, apparently.
In the late autumn sun, all ages popped through the garden, digging, picking, tidying, cooking, all with an easy, chilled out efficiency.
The heart-shaped pond was completed, and the garden’s first crop of community potatoes lay waiting, ready for baking in the barbecue. Meanwhile, the separation of stones and clods continued.
“It’s great that people come down and give an hour of their time to help out,” said Transition Newton Abbot’s, Mark Wallice. “And it’s such good fun”. He wasn’t lying and it was true. Weird.
Maybe that’s what makes the concept a success. Fun.
• The community garden is open to public/community every Saturday from 10am-12pm, either to pop in and look around or help out. All welcome – under 14′s must be accompanied by an adult.
• Check out the Vicary’s Field community garden blog.
Come and enjoy Devon – book a hotel and get away!
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