Would you like to grow your own food at home or do you do so already?
Are you interested in growing more, or different kinds of fruits or vegetables?
Would you like to learn more about how to grow your own food?
If you are interested in growing fruit or vegetables at home, are just beginning or want to learn more, then Transition St Albans Open Food Gardens are for you.
Last year we organised a very successful programme of garden visits to encourage people to learn more about what to plant when, how to look after growing plants, how to deal with pests and many other issues. Visitors also enjoyed meeting and chatting to other growers.
This year we have expanded the programme and six gardens are open to visit.
All you have to do is turn up to any or all of them – no need to book – enjoy the afternoon and ask all the questions you want.
Light refreshments will be available.
We ask for a donation of £2 towards TSA funds for everyone aged over 16 (under 16s free).
Please do not bring dogs (except Guide Dogs).
Saturday 16 April, any time between 2.00 and 5.00
Peter and Janette’s garden at 3 Althorp Road, AL1 [map]
This small garden near Clarence Park includes apple and pear trees, vegetables in pots and numerous herbs. It incorporates a wildlife garden with two small ponds; there is lots of biodiversity. The owners also grow vegetables on an allotment and have lots of experience to share. Peter’s work on the Square Foot Garden features on TSA’s website. At this time of year there should be lots of new growth, so it is a good time to visit.
Please be aware that there is limited street parking, particularly if St Albans football club are playing at home. There is space for locking bikes.
Saturday 14 May, any time between 1.30 and 4.00
Nadine’s garden at 45 Church Street, AL3 [map]
This is a big long garden near the city centre. It is a family garden, so may be of particular interest to people wanting to combine growing of food with play space for children. There are various fruit trees (some are very mature, while others are younger) and numerous different kinds of vegetables and herbs. Some are grown in raised beds; others are at ground level or in pots. The garden includes ponds, composting facilities and a walk-in plastic greenhouse.
Please note that this is a one-way street and parking is very limited. If you come by car, you will need to find a parking place and come to the house for a parking permit. Bikes can be locked at the back of the house.
Sunday 19 June, any time between 3.00 and 6.00
June and Arthur’s garden at 23 Gresford Close, AL4 [map]
Food is grown in both the back and front gardens. In the south facing front garden, behind a shrub hedge, there are three raised beds and grow bags for tomatoes. The multi-purpose back garden which is about 10 square metres in size has raised beds for vegetables, newly planted minarette fruit trees, soft fruit trained on fences, herbs, planting to attract wildlife and a pond. There are several water butts and compost bins and the house has solar panels.
Please note that street parking is very limited. There is space for bikes.
Saturday 16 July, any time between 2.00 and 5.00
Sandy and Len’s garden at 23 Tavistock Avenue, AL1 [map]
This is a large and very well-established garden, with lots of mature fruit trees, many different kinds of vegetables and herbs. Although it is north-facing, the length means that the growing capacity is not affected. The owners grow their produce in a mix of borders, raised beds, a greenhouse and containers. The garden incorporates numerous water-saving features and an aerobic compost bin. The house has solar panels. This garden is a delight to visit, even for those whose own gardens are much smaller. The owners have worked on it for many years and have a wealth of knowledge to share.
This road, at the south end of the city, is spacious and there are no parking restrictions. Bikes can be locked in the garage or outside.
Saturday 20 August, any time between 2.00 and 5.00
Helen and Nicolas’ garden at 104 Marshalswick Lane, AL1 [map]
This garden in Marshalswick incorporates much that is of interest for people wanting to grow food. As well as lawn, trees and other plants there are several different kinds of fruit trees and bushes. Vegetables and herbs are grown in beds towards the end of this large garden, which also includes a greenhouse, water butts, compost bins and a variety of features to attract birds and other wildlife, including a small pond. The owners have lived here for many years, during which they have accumulated a wealth of knowledge about growing fruit and vegetables.
104 Marshalswick Lane is situated opposite the Quadrant, where there is a free car park. Bikes can be locked at the side of the house.
Sunday 18 September, any time between 2.00 and 5.00
Catherine’s garden at 21 Woodstock Road South, AL1 [map]
This small garden in Fleetville is very much a child-friendly place. For each of the last three years the family have grown a small amount of lots of different fruits and vegetables to encourage their children to know where food comes from. Currently they have two apple trees, a plum tree and a pear tree trained to a fence. Tomato plants, beans, courgettes, cucumbers, strawberries and assorted other vegetables and herbs are grown in a border on the sunny side of the garden or in containers. This is a wonderful garden to visit for people wanting to think more about using a garden for a variety of purposes, in particular gearing it to the needs of small children.
There is on-street parking; bikes can be locked in the front of the garden or down the side of the house.
