COLUMNIST: KAREN STEWART-RUSSELL
As I got closer, I realised it was just a stone’s throw from my first ever garden on a balcony at my first flat, bought when I was eighteen. This consisted of a large planter and a little chair, but it was the start of my growing adventures. Having lived so close to where Arch is now, I can appreciate what it must mean to have this in the area. Many local residents do not have much in the way of outdoor space and that can be very isolating.
Arch is still at a fairly early stage, but the vision and enthusiasm of Community Gardener Alan Henderson and Service Manager Gareth Allenby was inspiring. The garden project aims to improve health and mental well-being, involve local volunteers to help YMCA residents grow food and plants, deliver classes and workshops, promote environmental awareness, and reduce social isolation.
I was given a tour and was very impressed with the design of the garden, it was very accessible and well laid out. The polytunnel was lovely and warm on a rather chilly day and would shortly become a hive of activity. The vegetable beds were so well looked after and I was excited to hear about the plans to add chickens.
During my visit, growing boxes were being given out to enable local residents to get started on their growing journey and there were workshops on making food last. From my previous experience with food banks, I know that access to fresh produce is often limited, so for residents to be able grow something at home will make a real difference.
A very important aspect of Arch is the focus on mental and physical health. As well as the fitness benefits of working in the garden there is also an outdoor gym which is far more accessible than expensive gym memberships. Refurbished bikes were on offer to give people the opportunity to start cycling and the onsite park is a place where families can come together. The whole garden has a real community feel with a beautiful picnic area.
Community Gardener Alan has plans to expand beyond the garden and add wildflowers to the roadside and a small wood alongside the garden which I am sure will draw people in even more. Gareth tells me that the garden is there as a constant in what could be a chaotic life for some and a place they know they can go to connect and relax.
All are welcome, volunteer sessions are Tuesday and Thursday 9am-3pm, but Service Manager Gareth understands that life gets in the way for many and is very flexible and appreciative of whatever people can offer to help the regular volunteers and gardener Alan.
Whether you have skills to share, want to learn new skills, or are looking for support, Arch is for you. I look forward to returning again and seeing the progress and changes. I really enjoyed my first visit and left feeling inspired and uplifted by this fledgling garden.
Karen Stewart-Russell lives in the heart of rural Fife. Passionate about the mental health benefits of gardening, she loves to share the joy of growing through her garden wall seed, plant, and book library. Karen has a relaxed, wildlife friendly garden, full of flowers, and is a huge fan of roses. Her latest project is an apothecary garden as her enthusiasm for utilising herbs and useful flowers grows. Follow her on Instagram.