Many gardeners and growers have a certain plant, flower, fruit, or vegetable which they are passionate about growing, and this can change over time as new growing techniques are tried and bring about good results. Fran is no exception to having a favourite:
“For a few years it was mint, (banana, strawberry, ginger, pineapple, garden, spear)… until I realised I had over 10 varieties with absolutely no idea what to use them in! I can become quite obsessive so I’m trying to focus on diversifying as much as I can and make sure I’m growing what I want to eat”.
A big benefit that Fran has found in gardening is being able to share it with her friends. Gardening is a very sociable activity, one where people can ask questions, give advice, and show off their gardens, so why not get others involved?
“Gardening with friends has been so eye opening! I’ve been so surprised at how little my friends know about where food comes from and how much time and nurture goes into it. In Spring we planted peas and several people were shocked to find out the pea is the seed of the plant – there seems to be such a deep disconnect in knowledge and it’s really rewarding to be able to bridge that gap”.
Fran and her friends have taken their love for gardening, and used it for community building and making our streets a little bit greener.
“Did you know that 2.78 million people have no green space within accessible walking distance from their home in the UK? I think that’s quite frightening! Luckily, guerrilla gardening is an easy way to change this; by gardening in spaces that have been neglected and overlooked, locals can transform their neighbourhoods into little green havens. There are some remarkable statistics on the mental and physical health benefits of introducing more greenery into a community, so I’d really encourage everyone to find an abandoned tree pit or an orphaned planter and get planting! Also if you’re nervous about doing it by yourself, have a look to see if there are any gardening groups in your area – @dreamgreen.earth and @johnwelsh1 stoked my fire to begin! At the very least you’ll bring smiles to your neighbours and that definitely can’t hurt”.