Beyond enhancing gardening skills, garden groups play a vital role in fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship. Many groups organize volunteer days to beautify shared spaces such as parks, schools, or other community areas, helping to create green oases in urban environments. Group members often find that tending to plants and sharing time outdoors reduces stress, boosts well-being, and provides a break from fast-paced modern life. Seasonal events, like spring planting or autumn harvest celebrations, help bring people together and celebrate the cyclical nature of gardening. With a blend of education, community service, and a shared appreciation for nature, garden groups offer a meaningful way for members to connect both with each other and the natural world around them.

Skies were grey but the gardening group received a warm welcome from Robert and Anne-Marie Nelson when they visited their home and garden Fairseat Manor, a private visit under the National Garden Scheme. The two acre garden is famed for its Spring bulbs, particularly
snowdrops and we were astonished at how many different varieties of snowdrop they have. The garden is open to small groups until 14 March - phone 01732 822256 for more information.