Crystal Palace Transition Town
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St John's Garden

St John's garden is the Patchwork Farm's biggest site so far. It's a large, open, south-west facing area with a lot of mature trees - and potential!

St John's Garden Story
A relationship had been building between the church and the Transition Town during 2013 with our Palace Pick-ups in Auckland Road and an invitation to run a stall at the St John's Fayre. Then one Saturday the priest, Father John Pritchard, came to the Food Market, discovered the Patchwork Farm stall and offered us this site as a growing space.

In January 2014 we sent a call-out for volunteers to bash the brambles, clear rubbish and fell some saplings. More than 20 people came out on successive Sundays and set to, including Transitioners, parishioners, the local scouts - and Father John, who felled most of the trees himself!

What we grow
We have an edible hedge, which is now showing lots of signs of life, and four big south-facing beds to grow as much as we can to feed ourselves and the Food Market. So far, we have planted pumpkins, corn, beans, salads and artichokes. Ideas and offerings of more to plant welcome! There is also a Hugel that is taking shape. This is a Permaculture idea that aims to reduce watering and increase growing space.

What's happening now?
We have permission to create a small social area where we can sit and enjoy the fruits of our labour! We also have plans for autumn planting for tasty winter veg.

We still have lots to do as this is a brand new site, and we'll be working at St John's every Sunday, nurturing our baby plants and creating the fifth bed.

Come and join in!
When: We work on the garden every Sunday, usually from noon to 2pm.
For up to date information visit the calendar and sign up to our newsletter.
Where: St John's Church on Auckland Road / Sylvan Road, SE19 2RX
Contact: Helen Buckland 
 helenbuckland@live.co.uk   , or via our facebook group 

HELP: Volunteers needed
We have a fantastic crew of regular volunteers, but to keep this space going we need a few more supporters. Do you have one Sunday to spare per month? Every little helps! If you are interested and want to know how to get involved, contact 
helenbuckland@live.co.uk    
Bramble bashing at St Johns
Before! We began in January bashing brambles and felling some saplings...
Growers in St Johns Garden with tools behind a bed of vegetables
...and after! A sunny day for our growers and the beds are taking shape
A woman hugging a tree
Lou really loves trees... you'll find her with wellies on every Sunday ready for more helpers
Related pages
Read Lou's blog
Explore more community gardens

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