Welcome to my first blog which will hopefully give you a little insight into the ongoing progress at the Emmaus Merseyside community garden. Our garden is located in Seaforth, Sefton, and is maintained by companions – people supported by Emmaus – and local volunteers.
As well as growing vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers, we have a wood workshop, we host workshops and try to support other growing groups, schools and charities in our local area. Much of the food we grow is used in the kitchen of Emmaus Merseyside’s community home which has 28 residents.
Growing for good
After a busy spring and summer, we’ve enjoyed a bountiful harvest of produce thanks to the efforts of Emmaus companions and local volunteers. Tomatoes, onions, garlic, cucumbers, courgettes, peppers, potatoes, carrots, beetroots, chard, marrows, strawberries, apples, pears and herbs aplenty have made their way from the garden to our kitchen and the bellies of companions.
In addition to food, our team has grown, nurtured and potted on a wide range of flowers which not only adds to the biodiversity of our garden. We sell many potted plants, flowers and hanging baskets at the Emmaus Merseyside Charity Superstore just down the road. The income raised helps to sustain our charity and fund the ongoing costs of our garden.
Summer of solidarity
Earlier this year, we had the privilege of visiting Litherland Moss Primary School as part of their Green Initiative. Four companions and I helped prepare the grounds and growing beds for the kids. It was a fun, productive day and a great opportunity to show some gardening solidarity in our local community.
This summer we welcomed children from Our Lady, Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School to participate in strawberry picking. This is an activity we hope to continue, as it exposes kids to our beautiful garden and helps instill a love for gardening and nature.
After our bumper harvest of chard and marrows, we were also able to share some in solidarity with Sutton Food Pantry and their members in St Helens.
Chef collaboration
We are keen to expand the outlets for our produce and one recent example is an order from chef Andrew Rogers, the owner and maker of award-winning, free-range North by Sud-Ouest Charcuterie. Andy was already aware of Emmaus from his time in France and approached us directly to grow some ultra-local garlic for his charcuterie. We’ve recently heard that Andy is in the final three of the Best Food Producer category of the BBC Food and Farming Awards 2024. Best of luck Andy!
We’re always open to collaborations and orders from local chefs, makers and food businesses. If you’d like a chat about us growing some locally sourced ingredients, please do get in touch or come and visit us to see our garden and polytunnels!
New ‘Hub’ delivery
In August, something big and shiny landed within our community garden. Our new, bespoke, purpose-built ‘Community Hub’ was craned in and will soon be open to the public. The Hub will enable us to open our garden to the public and provide more opportunities for growing, learning and sharing skills within our community and beyond.
The Hub’s arrival marks an important milestone and one which our charity has been working towards for some time. Massive thanks to construction industry charity CRASH, Reds10 and their supply chain partners for their support of this exciting project. Keep an eye on our website and social channels for updates and Hub opening times.
Coming soon
Danny and fellow garden woodworkers are busy creating a range of upcycled wood Christmas trees and other bespoke items. This year they have expanded the range of items produced from surplus pallet wood and can finish them in a range of paints and stains.
From planters and dog-bowl holders to bird boxes and potting tables – their skills and creativity are there for all to see. Check out the items on display on your next visit to our Charity Superstore and speak to a member of the team to find out more.
We have already made large planters for the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester, and North Merseyside, and for L30 Community Centre Netherton. In addition, we have been commissioned by individuals to create dove houses and a large bird house at least 7ft tall! If you need something making from wood, or have some ideas that you would like us to develop, please get in touch or email me directly.
Thanks and appreciation
Huge thanks to all Emmaus Merseyside companions and volunteers who have got involved and helped within our garden this year. It has been a huge team effort and one in which I’m very proud to be a part of.
Thank you to Our Lady, Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School who presented us with £100 from money raised from their Spring Fair. And thanks to Rimrose Hope Primary School for their fundraising efforts in support of our charity. They used the funds to buy us a digital scale, which allows us to weigh all our produce, and also purchase onion, squash, and pumpkin plugs.
Sincere thanks to Victorian Plumbing and their staff who once again helped during our busy summer months. We are always happy to work with corporate volunteers and individuals looking for a horticulture placement and we’re able offer a whole range of activities and experiences.
Thank you to Liz from Friends of South Park, who generously gave her time to support us with our first ever planter-making training course. Fiona from the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester, and North Merseyside had asked us to run the course which we hosted with the support of companions. This is something we would be open to offering to other organisations or members of the public as well.
A final big thanks to all the people who donate plants and flowers to our garden. This includes a lovely lady who donated fruit trees, including a white raspberry, goji berry, and a plum tree. She also gifted us a variety of flowers such as lavender, marigolds and beautiful roses!
