After a group from Urban Roots were given a tour of the Botanics by Anna and Liza, we were delighted to be invited to a return visit to see their gardens in Toryglen.

On a nice sunny day a group of seven of us took part. We were shown around by Evie who manages the gardens and the volunteers. There are three parts to the garden: a group of tall, wheelchair accessible raised beds by the community base building, a woodland area and another group of raised beds some distance away. Evie explained the many challenges that they face working on an open site in a deprived area of Glasgow. Growing plants is the easy bit! A big focus for them is gardening for wellbeing, and they run once a week sessions to support people with mental or physical issues.

The gardeners we observed were clearly enjoying the company and the shared tasks. The second area of raised beds were originally constructed as allotment beds, but these fell in to disrepair so are now used as shared community beds. Despite battling with near constant vandalism on the site Evie remained remarkably positive. Nature was clearly thriving here and we observed a Speckled Wood butterfly and the Robin’s pin cushion gall.

We returned back to the main building and enjoyed a lunch outside with delicious cake provided by Urban Roots. They have clearly built a real beacon for this community and we look forward to meeting up with them again.