Winter 2024

A wet winter this year may have had something to do with quite a few super harvests, most notably our best ever haul of pumpkins. We also had an abundance of Jerusalem artichokes, yacon, loads of turmeric, mizuna, eggplant and just a few stunning tromboncinos. 

Early cabbages did well but we remain baffled by the loss of almost all other brassicas including several initially promising crops such as cauliflowers, kale and broccoli plus broad beans and carrots. The healthy hearts of every cauliflower were taken out by a *&#% creature unknown who thwarted our netting. You know that sinking feeling when you turn up to find the promised rewards of all your nurture and care have unexpectedly vanished? Committed gardeners have turned up to garden in some serious weather this winter!  

Our Co-ordinator, Janet, and all of us here at MGP Community Garden thank Jan Felton from Willoughby Council for her contribution to the community gardens and wish her a long and fulfilling retirement. Jan has endeared herself to us with her thoughtful resourcing applied with her unique brand of kindness over many years. 

Our Duke of Edinburgh students, Nora and Nina, continue to garden with us on Saturday mornings. Marcus, who arrived as a D of E student at the beginning of the year has this to say ” Each Saturday morning for the last 4 months I’ve descended onto the aesthetically pleasing Market Garden Park Community Garden. At first I came as a Duke of Edinburgh student to complete my Silver Award. Having done my hours I stayed on, becoming a member. I’ve formed far too many attachments to some beautiful plants and cooked eggplant grown at the garden. This connects me to my father’s family from the great Indian state of West Bengal. I write to encourage, nay implore you, to join our great garden. We would love to have you. Be sure to pass this on to any prospective Duke of Edinburgh students. It really is the best activity.”