Ross Community Garden celebrated five years since it began on Tuesday, September 11th with special guest BBC Radio 2 Gardener, Terry Walton. The Community Garden is a three and a half acre site in the centre of Ross, and the project works towards helping adults, including those with learning disabilities, mental health illnesses, and those who have family who are suffering with terminal illnesses.

Describing his first visit to the Garden, Terry said: “I was wandering down the lane, and saw what looked like an allotment. I could see it was a cultivation of some kind. I walked in, and immediately fell in love.”

The past five years has seen a huge change in the Community Garden, and every year it helps more people. Raised beds have been built for those with mobility difficulties and Walford Timber have built a cabin where gardeners can take a break under shelter, while enjoying a coffee.

Tim Shelley told the volunteers and visitors at the Community Garden: “Last year, we supported over 90 people with special needs and difficulties. The Community Garden is here to help anybody who feels isolated for any reason.”

Chris Millson, Haygrove’s Sustainability Manager, described the Garden as a ‘labyrinth’ where you can let go of any burdens you may be carrying. He gave a special thanks to Tim and the volunteers for creating and maintaining such a unique space.

Chris described part of Haygrove’s vision, and said: “We have a plan called 20 by 28. We want to have started, or have begun supporting, 20 gardens like this in the next 10 years. We want to tailor projects to make impacts like this in other local areas.”

Councillor Valerie Coker described how she was ‘blown away’ by the beauty of the Garden, and gave many thanks to the hard working volunteers. She said “I was on the committee when the garden made an application for a grant to the Town Council. I am proud to say the result was unanimous.” Cllr Valerie added: “I cannot believe the transformation that has been made in just five years.”

Tim concluded by saying: “This garden has transformed lives, and transformed the community.”See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now