Emmaus Dover has proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new Community Garden with members of the local community.

Companions, along with staff and dedicated volunteers from B&Q Dover and Mitie, have spent recent months transforming an overgrown plot into a vibrant, accessible green space. The new garden offers nine planter beds – free on a ‘first come, first served’ basis – where local people can grow vegetables, flowers, and plants. Gardeners are encouraged to bring their seeds or use donated ones.

Gerry Golden, Retail Manager for Emmaus Dover said: “We’re excited to see the community come together and make the most of this space. Our goal is to provide a peaceful and inviting environment where people can connect, grow their food, and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors. Special thanks go to our companions and the amazing volunteers from B&Q Dover and Mitie for helping bring this vision to life.”

Paul Morris Director of Operations South Coast and France for Mitie said: “Feedback from the team has been amazing whilst working in partnership with Emmaus Dover, a huge sense of pride and achievement in potentially making a difference to people’s lives.”

Yewande, one of the new planter owners, said: “A community garden is such a lovely idea. I’m looking forward to growing items such as garlic and artichokes with my daughters, aged 11 and 8. Getting them involved in the process means they’re more likely to enjoy eating what they’ve grown!”

With a limited number of planters, if you are interested in securing yours please visit our store at Archcliffe Fort or email [email protected].

The Community Garden is just one ways we support the community, alongside our charity shop, garden centre, and café – all of which help raise vital funds to support those overcoming homelessness.

See how the community garden was transformed

Emmaus Dover CEO, Debra Stevenson (4th from right) welcomes staff, companions and volunteers to the official opening of the community garden
Emmaus Dover CEO Debra and Retail Manager Gerry open the new community garden
The garden before all the hard work began
The new beautiful community garden
Volunteers from B&Q Dover and Mitie help transform the overgrown area into the new community garden for local people to grow their vegetables