October 2020
Our volunteer Nicola recently took time out to chat to ITV as part of their ‘Miss Out to Help Out’
campaign. Here’s what she had to say about her experience volunteering with Edinburgh Garden
Partners:
“I joined Edinburgh Garden Partners because I wanted to learn more about food growing and
wanted to feel helpful and connected to my local community. I befriend older people through
gardening, giving them an outdoor space to enjoy and someone to talk to. I love that it’s a role that
gets me outside and learning about fruit and veg, growing and nature.
I volunteered with Betty for two – three years and went to visit her every week! At one point my
whole family were visiting from Hong Kong and came to meet Betty, and helped me in the garden.
During lockdown it’s been particularly important for me to be able to get to a secure, safe outside
space and see someone other than who I live with, my new garden partner Irene!”
November 2020
In November we were delighted to organise an apple-picking day for our volunteers at the orchard within the grounds of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Morningside. Although we had to limit numbers, carefully maintain hand hygiene and take care to physically distance, it was really refreshing to spend some time together socialising outdoors. “It was a really fun day and great to meet some more members of our gardening community” – Steve, EGP volunteer
December 2020
In December we normally organise a party for our volunteers and garden owners to celebrate their achievements over the year. In 2020 we had to find a different way to thank our garden partners. We put together around 80 gift bags, including seed packets, recipe cards and a book on Edible Gardening in Scotland published by our friends at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh.
