- The Great Rhyne Garden has seen plenty of activity, so have the local Nature Reserves.
- The For All Community Event Family Fun Day - I know, it's a mouthful but there we go, which Derek covered in July and featured here in August, has become the motivation for a regular Photography Group on Weston super Mares Bournville Estate!
- To say nothing of following the Dragonflies and other little creatures on a day to day basis................
So now, as we consider how to write it all up, the question is "Do we blog each project separately or combine?" We thought of asking the interested parties - and found we didn't need to! The mere thought of asking raised an awareness that we would, in a sense, be asking "Shall we do the job properly, or give each a second rate service?" And because the interest here is to display pictures - and the passion which motivates the capture of those pictures - in support of community and the world which surrounds us the decision is made.
This first one (with more to follow over the next few days) starts appropriately with a celebration - of Harvest, and of Community!
A short while ago, back in August, a trip to the Great Rhyne Garden proved educational. Not only is it a place for individuals and families to grow their own produce, it is also a venue for the forging of community. A substantial area is worked by a partnership of social groups to a common end. And the results could clearly be seen on Monday 30th September when Derek went along for the afternoon.
A warm, welcoming group, with a fresh cup of coffee at the ready gave the immediate impression of a good afternoon ahead - the volunteers all taking a part in preparing for the advertised barbecue.
After early morning rain it was just a little mucky, and it was clearly a place of work, but as people came, ate, and enjoyed each others company not a single complaint was heard by anyone in attendance!
And the exciting thing was seeing the passion within people as they engaged in conversation, sharing news, tips, experiences, of their hobby. More than one volunteer contributes to the project alongside finding time for their own plot:
It's not just about food either. The display of flowers speak of individuality.
And of personal dedication, as well as hard work!
The diversity and richness of colour, fragility, and beauty, reminds of nothing less than that which we find in the lives of the people who surround us.
And it really is worth a closer look!
It is a project which, whilst involving so much effort for things that often live so short a life - sown, grown, harvested, and gone in just one short season - has another much more enduring side. One with a value of much greater longevity to those involved. And so with interest I noted from conversation with the grower of these flowers that through this project she is engaged with an RHS course in Horticulture, providing a good grounding in a subject she is so obviously passionate about.
So, for those volunteers, workers, and others representative of the Healthy Living Company, Weston Foyer (Sanctuary Housing), The Bournville Estate Team, and Avon Wildlife Trust, shown or not shown in this collection of pictures........
.........enjoying the conversation on the day. And for all those taking the opportunity to enjoy the more relaxed moments...............
For the guests of all ages, types, and interests.....................
As well as those who put the work in to make the day and the whole project a success.................
Perhaps it really is summed up best of all in the chalkboard motto found right at the entrance to the garden.
The evidence of industry, education, companionship, relentless interest, displays a harvest of more than just flowers and vegetables. It proves a simple but strong (and hopefully enduring) accolade of success; Community and Horticulture really are Growing together here!
