What began as a project for children has blossomed into something much bigger. Nicky Carter discovered more about the Gentle Gardeners’ Group, which will lay down roots at a new home this spring...
WITH snow covering the ground throughout most of Teesdale last week, gardening was probably the furthest thing from the minds of most people.
In fact, with the winter solstice just around the corner, it’s likely to be several months before the first spring sunshine tempts people to venture out.
And that’s just how it should be, according to a growing group of green-fingered folk who have embraced the ethos of gentle gardening, taking a cue from, and working with, nature for a bountiful harvest.
“Winter is for hibernation,” says Suzanne Thomas, who runs Teesdale Gentle Gardeners’ Group whose members pass on knowledge and tips about how to sow seeds, tend plants and produce their own food.
The group, launched two years ago, has blossomed from a single weekly gardening session for children to five classes a week for both kids and adults.
Suzanne added: “It came about from my volunteering at the grounds at The Hub and it was suggested I set up a children’s gardening group.”
The fully-funded sessions were an instant hit with youngsters.
Mrs Thomas said: “We had about eight youngsters at the first sessions and what struck me back then was the way the children handled the seeds. It was so gentle and the plants reacted in kind growing more and producing more.
“The produce from The Hub gardens increased and has been used in the community kitchen. It is so rewarding. And that’s where Gentle Gardeners stemmed from.”
Adult sessions were soon launched with many parents of those attending the children’s sessions keen to learn more.
The ethos of the group is to work in conjunction with nature, not against it.
Mrs Thomas said: “It is something I have always done but it was an opportunity to pass on that knowledge and do something about climate change because the change in weather patterns has adversely affected nature.
“It is natural, good for the environment and the wildlife and it will increase the food production in the dale.
“The Hub identified the local need and encouraged my group classes. We massively increased food production at The Hub. All the food is used in the community kitchen and it comes full circle.”
She added: “Gentle gardening is a way of looking after yourself and the garden.
“We don’t dig or do any hard work but look after the wildlife and use the seasons to follow the growing year.
“The idea was for beginners to come along for a year and follow the growing season – from planting seeds in early spring to tending the plants in the summer and harvesting in the autumn.
“The first batch of graduates enjoyed it so much they wanted to continue, so we expanded to have graduate sessions as well. It’s become a bit of a movement now with more people embracing the gentle style of gardening.”
And while the temperatures outside may be chilly, winter provides plenty of time to use the fruits of the harvest to make jams, preserves and plant oils infused with herbs grown and dried in the year, indoors. Mrs Thomas said: “We [Gentle Gardener’s Group] also do sessions on jam making, preserves, hedgerow syrups and plant oils and balms with the fruits of the harvest and it’s a great way to finish the growing season.”
The Gentle Gardener’s group calendar relaunches in March, when they will be based cross the River Tees at Startforth Community Centre with the idea of passing on knowledge of the “old ways” a little further.
Suzanne added: “We have so much gratitude to the team at The Hub for supporting the Gentle Gardeners.
“It was over the summer the decision was made to move our base to the community centre as it will help me develop the club as a commercial venture,” she said.
The spring term for novice Gentle Gardeners lasts six to eight weeks, costing £6 per session.
For more information about the Gentle Gardeners visit www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=100064761318999.
