Alexandra Park Greenhouse Group gets new patron
LYNDA FOY
Fergus Garrett, head gardener and chief executive at Great Dixter Charitable Trust in Northiam, has supported the group since 2016 when he gave a talk to boost funds for the Hastings-based charity. The event raised about £1,000.
Now he has agreed to give his plant expertise, contacts and offer advice to the project at the park site which was rescued from dereliction by the group of volunteers in 2013.
He said: “I am delighted to be patron and to lend extra support to this very valuable community project. We are at the beginning of a very interesting journey where we can bring people, plants and biodiversity together, and sow seeds for future generations.”
Mr Garrett lent his support to the group’s 2020 campaign to put a permanent roof on the greenhouse’s 1930s structure, saying: “The project has already been a great success thanks to the hard work of the community.
“It makes a valuable contribution to the area with community events and workshops, and as a valuable growing space where plants can be nurtured. It encourages local producing and local buying. It is also an important focal point for the people it serves.”
Linda Pearson, the group’s chairperson, said: “We are delighted that Fergus Garrett is now our patron. The expert horticultural and environmental knowledge that Fergus can share will be absolutely invaluable.
“The group can now move forward with a working greenhouse that can be used for plant sales, workshops, training and development, not only for the volunteers, but for the community in general.
“We hope to encourage all age groups and all gardeners, whatever their experience, to enjoy using this very special restored greenhouse to grow together.”
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. The future of our volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. You can also support local journalism by becoming a friend of HIP. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.
Leave a Reply