Last week our lovely Volunteer Kirsten joined us in Millennium Square and then wrote us a blog……

Today I joined Incredible Edible Bristol for a volunteer session in Millennium Square. I met community horticulturist Sara Venn & volunteer Fred for a morning of planting, weeding and chatting.

There is 5 raised beds in the square which have been transformed into edible vegetable gardens. I was impressed by the amount & variety of colourful plants growing. Including lots of luscious salad leaves, spinach, radishes, potatoes, herbs & more! It is there for everyone to enjoy & most importantly-eat! There is also some lovely flower beds to aid biodiversity & to look after the bees.

As we were weeding the beds, people were interested in what we were doing & it was great to chat with passers by. We explained the project and got lots of positive feedback.

We also met a local who had recently used some of the vegetables from the garden to make a Spinach, Onion, Coconut & Chickpea soup mmmmmm.

Next job was to plant a root vegetable called Oca. I hadn’t heard of it before but it apparently tastes like a lemony potato! We planted a few different varieties to see which one grows best in an urban environment. Can’t wait to try it.

I found out from Sara that is over 400 volunteers around the city that help out with the project, in over 50?(we have 29 gardens-Sara) different areas of land. Bristol really is amazing.

The morning went so quickly. It was very relaxed with lots of interesting chats & time for the a very important tea & biscuit break. I left with a smile on my face, greener fingers and with some potatoes, salad & radishes & that I will eat tonight. Can’t get any more fresh or local than that!

Thankyou Incredible Edible Bristol, I look forward to the next session.