Jesse Norman MP visited the Ross-on-Wye Community Garden on Friday, November 2nd to donate and plant a tree that commemorates five years since the garden began.

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.

Jesse also gave Tim Shelley, who manages the garden, five saplings for the team at the Community Garden to plant over the next couple of weeks.

The saplings are to be planted as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy (QCC), and are part of the Woodland Trust. The QCC is a project that aims to create a unique network of forest conservation projects throughout the country.

Five years ago, when the Community Garden began, Jesse planted a Medlar tree. On Friday, he planted a Liquid Amber tree, which he bought and donated to the garden because he loves the colour of them.

Jesse walked around the plots and chatted to members of the garden who were caring for their plants and enjoying the pleasant weather. He commented on how amazing the garden looked.

Jesse said: “The Community Garden has been completely transformed. This is such a triumph. It is a pleasure for me to celebrate Ross-on-Wye’s Community Garden, and I thought a Liquid Amber tree would be a lovely way to do it.

“Planting, growing, and cultivating plants, vegetables and nature of any kind is such a theraputic and wonderful thing to do.”

Some of the changes include newly built raised beds which have been designed 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 Ross Gazette: “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.”

Tim continued to say that he is looking forward to seeing the tree’s bright amber colours develop as its autumnal foliage grows.

If you would like further information about the Community Garden, or if would like to get involved, please contact Tim Shelley via

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