On Saturday 3rd August, the sun shone for Hutchison’s first annual summer fete, a joyful afternoon celebrating one year of growing at the Neighbourhood Garden (July 2023.)

Preparations began after the usual weekly Saturday work session (9:30am – 12:30pm,) with everyone mucking in to hang bunting, assemble the gazebo, and get the BBQ fired up for what was a great turnout, which included some furry friends.

There was a bring and share picnic – and what a feast it was, everyone went above and beyond! With 13 different nationalities participating in the garden, there was a delicious array of delicacies: homemade biryani, salads, samosas, and pickled beetroot (grown in the garden of course.) Alongside this, our participant chef, Aron, cooked up a feast including BBQed octopus – it’s safe to say everyone was well fed. It was lovely to see everyone chatting amongst themselves and getting to know one another while they ate.

After recovering from our food comas, it was time for activities. Susie ran a Bookbugs session with stories and singing for the wee ones, who also really enjoyed getting creative in the craft tent. Meanwhile the adults were tested on their horticultural knowledge in a garden quiz organised by Gulnaz organised a garden quiz – everyone was delighted to win a prize!

There are plans for many more seasonal events at the garden in the future, and the group welcome any ideas – the garden can be a space for a whole host of activities after all! If you want to get involved come along to sessions on Thursdays & Saturdays 9:30 – 12:30 or contact Community Gardener Gaby on gaby@edibleestates.scot