Rye Community Garden October Update

The progress of the Rye Community Garden continues to develop, despite setbacks from the strange times we are all experiencing.

• Despite the challenges thrown at everyone during these strange times, during September, the Rye Community Garden project saw a flurry of activity, with impressive progress being made across the garden. With the installation of the Brazier by Mike and Ben, donated by Trend Antiques and cemented in by Goldfinch Builders, another milestone was completed. Followed by the completion of the missing gates at the main entrance and the vegetable garden, making the garden boundaries completely secure. The vegetable garden gate was even made from salvaged materials, giving it a suitably rustic look.

  What's more, developments on the wildflower meadow have also been made thanks to Dominic and Mike scarifying the area to remove the invasive Oxtongue and sowing the Yellow Rattle in patches throughout. Despite the wildflower meadow needing a number of months to manifest, the focus can shift to getting the central path laid. Dominic and Mike also managed to move the wood pile and associated waste to a far corner of the open field, creating a fantastic new wild-life habitat.

  As September drew to a close, the team said farewell to Anna who after being furloughed by TCV earlier in the pandemic, she spent her summer working with the Committee but now, in this new COVID world, her contract with TCV has ended and she is leaving for a new job based in Tottenham Hale (North London). 

  On her last day, the Committee had a small gathering within the Tree Circle, sitting around the newly installed brazier, toasting her on her onward journey. The team hopes they can stay in touch as she joins a community garden in Tottenham, where she will be active in setting up a new community garden. On Anna's last day, the team also managed to target the forlorn woodland walk along the love lane boundary. Ben assisted in the relocation of the half-emptied grab-bag. Pip stripped out a dead elder and some willow, whilst Nigel set to with his chain saw trimming back all the hedging. The Woodland Walk has now been restored to a delightful, usable route devoid of obstacles, plus, the boundary hedging now looks superb.

  As 2020 comes to a close, the next projects that need addressing include, laying the all-weather self-binding gravel on the entrance path and around the toilet, thanks to funding from the Lund Fund. This task will include TCV manpower. The path will make an easy route to the maturing tree circle.

  The Committee are also looking for additional help to continue the amazing work of Anna in laying the woodchip path, thanks to the help of the CIC acquiring lots of wood chippings. However, the team are still in need of some gravel boards to edge the path.

  The tree circle will also see the addition of further log benches thanks to Mike. The benches are set to be placed at a safe distance from the brazier and with social distancing measures in place as COVID restrictions are likely to follow us into the new year.

  If you would like to assist the Rye Community Garden, the 2021 wish list includes a small greenhouse to help extend the growing season and the scope of the garden, with the possibility of cultivating tenderer and exotic varieties of vegetables.

  Assistance is also appreciated in man and woman power down at the gardens. However, during these times it is important to observe the following:

  • Bring your own gloves
  • Respect social distancing rules
  • Follow the latest Government guidance to STAY SAFE

  Appropriate tools are available in the metal shed but please wear sturdy footwear because, in places, the ground remains very uneven. Also, bring a hot/cold drink to refresh yourself. 

  If you would like to help in anyway or you would like further information, please use the contact details for Rye Community Gardens below.

  Either, e-mail toryegarden@hotmail.com or, write to Rye Community Garden c/o 14 Love Lane Rye TN31 7NE or, you can go to www.facebook.com/groups/rye.communitygarden to ‘like’ and follow postings or, you can go to www.transitionrye.org.uk/community-garden.

  At SLM Toyota, we would like to wish the team the best of luck with their ongoing work and to congratulate the Committee for the amazing progress made so far. We are all immensely proud to be supporting such an important community project. We're sure it is going to look fantastic once finished!