Latest news from Bridgend....

For the past few months a group of BGC elves (and one little terrier) have been quietly at work behind the grand old building across the road in Inch Park, which is actually the home of another community project.  We have been developing a disused site into a vegetable garden and  nice green space for groups who use Inch House.

BEFORE.....

Preparing for growing was no mean feat, as the site had clearly not seen any horticultural input for a very long time,  if  ever.   Frequently hampered by downpours, we got digging, sweating as we broke up heavy earth which felt more like builders rubble than fertile land.  Leaves were cleared, weeds removed, and Hungarian ryegrass planted to improve the nutrient content and structure of the soil.

Sowing

 Over the course of the Thursday morning sessions daffodils were planted, composting started, a potato bed created,  3 raised beds built from old scaffolding boards and  filled with new soil, and raspberry canes placed. Today glorious sunshine saw the beginning of the seed sowing , with various potato varieties, carrots, parsnips and beetroots laid to see what they make of the plot...

AFTER....

 We're looking forward to watching the garden take shape over summer.  And there's still plenty of work to be done.. a few flowers to plant next.

Let the growing begin....

Polytunnel Appeal

The extremely high winds that swept through Edinburgh on January 3rd were responsible for plenty of damage throughout the city, and the Bridgend Allotments were not spared! As the picture below shows, the cover was ripped off Bridgend Growing Communities' polytunnel.

We are hoping to get this replaced before the growing season really swings into action, and are trying to raise the necessary funds to buy a new cover. If you would like to make a donation, please send a cheque payable to "Bridgend Growing Communities" to

Bridgend Growing Communities
41 Old Dalkeith Road

Edinburgh EH16 4TE

Your donation will be a great help to our project!

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Growing Greener Futures

BGC's "Growing Greener Futures" training programme started on Monday, with our first group of trainees attending a session all about garden planning for fruit and veg. growing.

The first two courses are now full, but we are taking bookings for early April. To request a registration form, please email either robf.bgc@gmail.com or chrism.bgc@gmail.com Follow @Bridgend_gc

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Happy New Year from everyone at Bridgend Growing Communities!

Everyone connected with BGC sends you their best wishes for a happy and fruitful 2012. Keep your eye on this site for further information about activities, events and opportunities.

Tuesday drop-in services at Bridgend Allotments resume on January 3rd, 10a.m. - 3p.m. as usual.

Please note we still have places left for our new "Growing Greener Futures" training programmes beginning on Monday January 16th and Thursday January 19th. See previous posts for further details.

Happy New Year!

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"Growing Greener Futures" - FREE training from BGC in 2012!

Bridgend Growing Communities has received funding from the Big Lottery's "Awards For All" scheme to offer free training in organic gardening throughout 2012!

Monday January 16th                                 Thursday January 19th

Monday April 9th                                         Thursday April 12th

Monday July 2nd                                         Thursday July 5th

Monday September 24th                            Thursday September 27th



There will also be the opportunity to take part in a short assessment for the "Introduction to Organic Vegetable Gardening" certificate from Oatridge College.

Places will be limited to 10 people per course. It is particularly aimed at anyone who may have difficulties accessing other training opportunities. If you are interested, or if you work with or know someone who might benefit from this opportunity, please contact us for further details or to request a registration form.

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