Edible Garden
The Edible Garden was the first Patchwork Farm garden. This award-winning community growing space is tucked into the corner of Westow Park.
The Edible Garden Story In 2011 the team got permission from Croydon Council to transform an overgrown corner of Westow Park. In February 2012, a gang of volunteers cleared the brambles then installed beds and paths, using whatever materials came to hand. The garden was created using permaculture principles. In October 2012 we won the Capital Growth "People's Garden" competition because of our wide range of activities and community engagement. What we grow One of the permaculture features of the garden is a hugle - a mound of logs covered with soil and compost. As the logs decompose, they release nutrients and keep the soil warm. The hugle grows spectacular courgettes, tomatoes and squashes. Other crops include broad beans, beetroot and horseradish. There's plenty of fruit, including raspberries, strawberries and gooseberries, apple and pear trees. We grow lots of salad and have a herb garden with several varieties of mint, rosemary, lemon verbena and fennel. What's happening now? We aim to have more continuous planting for year-round harvests. We meet Saturday morning with a range of activities for both experienced gardeners and complete beginners. There's always lots of fun and a real community spirit in the garden - come and help out, make new friends, grow your own food and maybe learn some new skills! Come and join in! When: We work at the garden most Saturdays from 10.30am until 12, depending on what needs to be done. Where: Westow Park garden, near the entrance on Coxwell Road Contact: Anna at ediblegardencp@gmail.com. |