A NEW gardening not-for-profit venture is due to launch in Frome, connecting people who like to garden with those who have green spaces and are willing to share them, or need someone to maintain the area.
The project, named Gardening Together, is in the early phases and is looking for people to take part in a short online survey indicating if they are a ‘frustrated gardener’ with no outside space to garden or waiting for an allotment, or of if they have ‘an unloved garden’ that needs maintaining. The team is also looking for feedback to help inform their direction.
Founder and newly-elected vice-chair of the Allotment Association in Frome, Kieran Saunders said, “This is a completely new project. The dream is to build an online platform and community of people that are connected through gardening.
“The allotment waiting list is so long, there are probably lots of people who want to get out there and garden, but might not have the space to do this in. Equally, there might be people in the town who have gardens that are willing to share some space, or want someone to look after it for them.
“I am passionate about this because when we moved to Frome, we had a shady garden where nothing really grew. My wife put me in touch with Pure Moves pilates studio, that has a small garden and wanted someone to maintain it. I started doing that, so I have lived the premise of this project!”
A key part of the project is about reducing loneliness and connecting people in the town through gardening. Kieran explained, “The project initially started about giving people the access to grow fruit, vegetables and flowers, but now reducing loneliness has become quite a big part of it. There might be people who do not know their neighbours and through doing this, they could become better connected.”
Kieran is asking people to take a few moments to fill out the online survey if they would like to be involved, saying, “I think people should have the right to grow and garden! When we get closer to launching, I will contact those who have filled out the survey and invite them to a speed dating style event in March, that will aim to connect gardeners with those who want their green spaces maintained.”
To further raise awareness of the organisation, Kieran will be attending the Frome Potato Day and Seed Swap at the Cheese and Grain on Sunday 19th February at 10am-2pm, and is currently working with Edventure on a number of courses to grow the project. For more information or to register your interest in taking part visit the website, https://gardeningtogether.carrd.co/?fbclid=IwAR0lBUrNTop2e-iEJGCWrqQL1a_n70dT6TUYFGO8DrQ-oUYiLpUO8dv-3Og
