Trustees from the Historical Centre are among those who are actively involved in the Community Garden. When not joining in the rota for volunteers, that small and valued group who open the Centre to the public, a Trustee might be met pushing a barrow full of seaweed, or in a work party carefully potting up herb seedlings, or gathering up the hay made when the wildflower garden along the path was cut.

A couple of recent e-mail messages from Faith Fairbairn, one of the two part-time Gardeners who are employed in a job-share by SWMID (South West Mull and Iona Development Group) give a flavour of the good-natured co-operation that goes on.

“We had a lovely time on Thursday getting loads of little Rowan trees potted on and having Cake and Tea with some of our volunteers. We’re starting to get more harvests from the garden, so keep an eye on the stall at the gate with honesty box, for some produce. Allotment plots are looking great, well done! Thanks everyone, Faith.”

“I hope some of you had a fabulous time at the Bunessan Show, we certainly did. Proud of the garden’s achievements – 3 First Prizes (3 Kidney Potatoes, 3 Round Potatoes, 3 Annuals Dissimilar). 3 Second Prizes (Basket of 8 Organic Veg, Basket of Organic Produce, 3 Sweet Pea Blooms) and a 3rd Prize too (3 Beetroot). Many thanks to everyone who’s helped the garden develop and grow/shown support to us. Faith.”

We cannot, without their permission, show all the folk, from toddlers, through school groups with Emily the Ranger, to shop staff enjoying some fresh air, to curious tourists or pensioners working and blethering, but the accompanying pictures capture a little of the pleasure of meeting together, growing and harvesting in the Historical Centre grounds.

JSP