The Coronation Community Garden got off to a flying start on Bank Holiday Monday, with 11 volunteers including two Braddan Commissioners, an enthusiastic 9-month old little boy and a black cat coming along to help get things underway. Between us we cleared the pathways and hardstandings, planted fruit bushes, fruit trees, potatoes, peas, herbs and onions. We agreed a design layout for the raised beds, a sunny location for the picnic table, chose the spot for the straw bale garden and made a start on the compost heap.

One of Braddan’s new Commissioners Neal Mellon said “I’m so pleased to be involved in such a great initiative so close to my home; growing food for the community is a subject close to my heart. I’m proud to say that I’ve given my heart a good workout today emptying a dumpy bag full of compost! It really is a project by the people for the people.”

Fellow Commissioner Andrew Jessopp said “I’m glad to see the Community garden coming to fruition, with so many enthusiastic volunteers pitching in to get it started. Growing vegetables and herbs instead of flowers in public areas is a project I’ve been keen to introduce to Braddan.”

Thank you to everyone who came along, those who attempted to but couldn’t find us (!) and those who donated seeds and loaned us equipment to use. Finally a massive thank you to the Douglas Borough Council nurseries who donated three bags of compost for us to use and Steve Prescott at Manx Native Trees who donated the fruit bushes and trees.

We’re now launching an appeal for basic gardening equipment; tools, bamboo canes, a wheelbarrow, and external paint of any colour or quantity and most importantly members to come along and join in the fun! You don’t have to worry if you’re not physically able to garden, or don’t know how to, there are tasks for all abilities and we’ll learn as we go, all ages are welcome.

To find out more and keep up to date with progress and future work parties like our Facebook page Coronation Community Garden (https://www.facebook.com/Coronation-Community-Garden-1005499332851850/) or contact Cat on 482077 email: ecovannin@gmail.com.