On 23 March, a beautiful new community garden and sanctuary opened at Carterton Methodist Church in West Oxfordshire. The new space is open to the public, and is made up of two areas: a prayer sanctuary and a growing area. Gardeners from Guideposts “Dig’n’Grow” project helped to create the tranquil space, by planting trees around the garden.

The new community space is being developed as a wildlife garden, and the church wanted to surround the organic ‘allotment’ with a community orchard, fruit bushes and vegetable beds. The Guideposts Dig’n’Grow crew love to help, and weren’t even put off by the solid Cotswold stone bedrock they found on digging into the ground to get planting.

Dig’n’Grow project supports adults with additional needs, disabilities, and mental health issues to develop their confidence, self-esteem, social skills, and skills around the garden.

Guideposts Team Leader, Anthony Garrett, said “ Our gardeners enjoy being involved with local community projects, whether making planters for local use, visiting local gardens, or taking part in projects like this. They were delighted to have the opportunity to help with tree planting, and be a part of bringing the vision for the garden to life.”

In a similar way to Guideposts’ own Outdoor Wellbeing Hub, the new garden also has a poly-tunnel which will extend the growing season and the produce the community can grow in the Oxfordshire climate.
Next to the garden is a peaceful log cabin, which is available to visitors for prayer and with drinks available. The gardeners agreed it was a very tranquil and inviting spot.

They are looking forward to returning soon, to help with further development of flower beds for the garden.

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