Finding Space to Grow in Druids Heath
"I just started with flowers Dee gave me, and then last year I grew a few vegetables, but not many. This year I hope to grow loads more and give more away - onions, tomatoes, coriander."
In early March we met other local people in Druids Heath interested in taking an active role in caring for space in Druids Heath. We were able to find a number of people interested and able to build a larger raised bed outside Ben’s block of flats.
"It's kept me busy for the last couple of days! We’ve got fruit trees now, raised beds, and some more trees to plant, thanks to you. They’re growing well - eighteen inches already, but it’ll take a while to get fruit off them."
"I spoke to a family in the flats opposite. They want to grow things too. People could grow tomatoes on the balcony - a few people had hanging baskets last year, but I can’t see them. The wind comes so sharp around here. There are plants in people’s windows, they must be keeping them in for the wind and the rain."
"Dog owners - everyone feeds them but nobody owns them. I’m raising the beds to make it harder, but you’ll still get some dog mess. The trees got damaged [Council grass cutters] cut off bark with strimmers. We’ve given them more protection now. You get plenty of light all around [the tower block] and everything grows well - Sun’s on this side until late and they get in the back in the morning."
The Active Wellbeing Society are working through local organisations like A Level Playing Field in Druids Heath who helped contact the local Councillor, and discuss planting with Birmingham City Council Parks Services and Housing Department who own and have responsibility for the upkeep of land around Ben’s flat.
Please contact [email protected] to find out more.