Apr 2024
Old Station House and Edible Abingdon Open Garden – 4 May
Abingdon care home Old Station House and Edible Abingdon are holding an Open Day and Open Garden on Saturday 4 May, 11 – 3pm at the care home located at Old Station Yard. The care home is celebrating 8 years of collaboration with Edible Abingdon’s volunteers who have tended planters at the care home, where they have grown vegetables, herbs, soft fruit and pollinator friendly flowers for members of the local community.
The Open Day and Open Garden event is open to all members of the public. Refreshments will include homemade cake and attendees will be able to meet the team at Old Station House including Home Manager Sharon Tatum, Activities Co-ordinator Jeff Denton and other care staff to find out more about the residential and respite care offered. Volunteers from Edible Abingdon will be on hand from 11-1pm to show off the planters and answer gardening questions.
Edible Abingdon grows edibles for the community, and passersby can pick and eat ripe produce. Crops which are currently being grown include tomatoes, runner beans, herbs, rhubarb, beetroot and carrots. A number of residents at Old Station House help with growing produce in a section dedicated for their use. They are currently growing gooseberries, other fruit and runner beans.
Jeff Denton, Activities Co-ordinator at Old Station House, said: “Everyone here loves being involved with Edible Abingdon. It’s wonderful as its run by local people for local people. They’re great people and have known our residents for a long time now. We’re fortunate to work closely with them.”
Edible Abingdon has been involved in Abingdon Green Forum’s ‘Grow Your Own’ campaign to encourage more Abingdon residents to have a go at growing some of their own food and enjoy the proven health benefits of gardening and being in touch with nature.
Sharon Betts from Edible Abingdon said: “The Open Garden event is an opportunity for members of the public to visit the garden area and to see how it is possible to grow some food or herbs in containers. As many people only have small gardens or balconies this will hopefully inspire them to have a go. They will be able to see what is being currently planted, ask advice, or share ideas with our Volunteers.”
For more information contact oldstationhouse@osjct.co.uk.