We’re introducing one of our Community Gardeners each week on the run up to spring – after all, it always helps to know a friendly face! This week Johanna talks about a memorable garden she worked in as well as the wonderful work Dumbiedykes Growers are doing in their area, and shares her love of mushrooms!
Let’s hear a little about you! Where are you from, and what brought you to Edinburgh?
I am originally from Germany. I married a Scot and moved to Edinburgh 12 years ago. I cant imagine a better city to live in. We have so many amazing green spaces and I love that I can cycle to the beach.
Any memorable gardens you’ve previously worked/participated in?
My most memorable garden is the one I trained in. It is a beautiful private garden in the Scottish Borders surrounded by rolling hills. I grew veg and herbs, looked after the fruit trees and bushes, maintained borders and hedges, and I loved that jumping on the compost heap to squish it down was part of my job.
What garden(s) are you currently supporting?
I currently garden with a group of very dedicated residents in Dumbiedykes. There are lots of small green spaces in different corners (and on different levels – everything is on a slope) of the estate. We have planted lots of edibles and been doing a general tidy up. It haa been amazing when people passing by have thanked us for looking after the place. It’s also been brilliant to see neighbours getting to know each other through gardening. Hearing things like ‘I would have never spoken to this neighbour but now that we both go to gardening we stop and chat in the street,’ or ‘I have grown nasturtiums for years, but I had no idea you could eat the flowers’ is just magical.
How did you get into gardening? What do you enjoy about it, and how has it positively impacted you?
I have always been a hobby gardener and love the outdoors. After years of doing an office job I felt a little trapped sitting in a big glass building looking at a screen for what felt like a long time, so I decided to become a gardener before turning 40 – and I did. I did a course with the Royal Horticultural Society and the Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, followed by a practical traineeship through the ‘Working for Gardeners Association.’
I love being outdoors in all weathers, tending to my little inner city patch where I grow wildflowers, lots of herbs, and berries. I like the mindfulness of being in the garden, and seeing the changing seasons is always beautiful. It brings you back into the present moment when everything else is rushed and busy.
What are you looking forward to growing/doing in the upcoming growing season?
I am very excited about growing mushrooms this year. I went to a mushroom growing workshop with the Dumbiedykes Growers, and we all took a growing kit home. We have been comparing photos of what our mini indoor mushroom farms look like. It is amazing to watch, they grow so fast! It has inspired us to try growing some outdoors too.
Any words of encouragement for those who are interested in coming along?
It is so much easier to get to know people while sharing an activity. Just come along, everyone is really friendly and welcoming. You do not have to commit, just pop by when you can and stay as long as you like – theres no pressure. It gives a real sense of achievement helping to look after your local greenspace, but if you just want to come for a blether, that is fine too!
If you live locally and would like to get involved with Dumbiedykes Growers, come along to their growing session:
Sundays: 9:30-11:30am (The group meet by the fruit trees on Viewcraig Street.)
For more info, drop Johanna an email at johanna@edibleestates.scot
You may also be interested in…
Meet Our Community Gardeners: Sylva, Muirhouse Neighbourhood Garden
Meet Our Community Growers: Gaby, Hutchison Neighbourhood Garden