THE efforts of volunteers belonging to a community Polytunnel project are coming to fruition but not a lot of people know about their handiwork, which is on offer to the public.
A small group of individuals are involved in the project at Rhyl Botanical Gardens.
The dedicated group spend hours tending to their vegetables and flowers but are keen to for the public to take advantage of their fresh goods and generate more awareness.
The project started about five years ago. Volunteers are supported by Sue Nicholas, horticultural advisor, who is trained to Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) standard. Individuals can carry out diplomas and are taught how to grow properly.
Mike Stanley, one of the volunteers who looks after the plants, said: “We just want to let people know we are here, a lot of people aren’t aware of us.
“We have some really dedicated volunteers and we are lucky to have Sue. We have a really nice bunch of people, some who join to do a bit of gardening, and we are on a rota system, seven days a week to take turns to water.
“Residents can come and pick fresh produce or dig our carrots, potatoes and we are on hand to help or help carry the goods to the car. We have cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, all types of different vegetables. We do price them and always competitively.
“It is all not-for-profit making. It is really old-worldly.”
Volunteer Mike Stanley
The public are welcome to visit the polytunnel and pick/dig out vegetables between 10am and 3pm on Wednesdays.
Sue said: “One thing we are hoping to do is to produce a recipe book. Everyone has ideas over how we use the produce
“They are a fantastic bunch, they are full of it.
“I come over to train with the group on a Wednesday. Because I have people who have gone through the training, they have got supervisory roles and they are able to run the place.
“That is the whole idea with something like this. You want it to be self sufficient and sustainable.
As well as encouraging the public to come pick flowers and fresh fruit, Mr Stanley is keen for more volunteers to join the group.
“Even if you don’t know anything about gardening, just come along and we will help you. We all muck in. Sue insist that we make decisions for ourselves,” he said.
“You don’t have to join us for the whole duration, just come for a few hours.”
Those wishing to get involve can visit on the Wednesday and enquire on the day.
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