Much has changed in the Ross of Mull Community Garden since February. Volunteers under the guidance of a paid, experienced gardener have been working steadily in regular twice-weekly sessions. The raised beds are completed, filled with soil and seaweed and are now overflowing with vegetables and flowers. A second shed has been erected which has been functioning as a potting and germination shed. The whole property is now protected by a deer fence. There is a picnic table and bench and paths are in the process of being covered with gravel. There are now compost bins and a hot composter, watering butts and hosepipes. The fruit trees planted in the winter are flourishing and there is a rhubarb patch, soft fruit bushes and herb beds. A site is being prepared for a tree nursery to support the local community forests and another site is being prepped for a poly tunnel when funds permit.

Most importantly the garden is now regularly used by local groups and residents. The local primary school has planted up one of the raised beds as has the after school nature club which also uses the garden as its meeting place. The Brambles playgroup meets at the garden and has taken over one of the beds and filled it with flowers and vegetables. Eight of the raised beds have been designated ‘allotment’ beds and are being used by local residents to grow their own vegetables safe from hungry deer and with the support of the community gardeners if needed.

With the help and guidance of a local artist the local school children have decorated one of the sheds with paintings and “Ross of Mull Community Garden” is emblazoned along the side facing the road for all to see as they drive past. The garden is becoming the place to drop by for a visit and, as such, all involved hope it will become an important social centre for the village.

The latest development is receiving a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund to cover the cost of a part time gardener for 3 years. This job is now shared by two local mums and they will ensure the continuity and development of the garden and its role in the community into the future.

If you live locally or are visiting Mull please drop by and see for yourselves what has been achieved so far.

We are also still trying to raise funds to buy a poly tunnel which would be a wonderful asset for the garden. If you would like to contribute here is the link for the crowd funder site we are using: https://www.mypark.scot/projects/ross-of-mull-community-garden-the-next-steps/