Grow your own incredible edibles and make 2017 your healthiest year yet!

We all begin to think about our health at this time of year and healthy eating and exercise are on our minds.

In January many of us begin slimming diets and join a gym and make resolutions to change our lifestyle. But in Millport there is another way to make long-term changes to our wellbeing. You might consider a simple new way to re-vitalise your diet and indulge in healthy light exercise while making new friends socialising and learning new skills.

Cumbrae Community Garden offer the opportunity to grow your own organic fruit and veg in a supported and friendly group.

Members of the Community Garden have access to outdoor space and indoor facilities. Growers are supported with advice and help throughout the growing season and there is a friendly community spirit among members. Plot-holders have 2 raised beds, one large outdoor bed and another smaller bed inside a large polytunnel. This enables members to grow a variety of healthy produce which can be harvested throughout the year.

Cumbrae Community Garden has facilities for disabled gardeners and actively encourage members of all ages and abilities. No gardening experience is necessary to make a start growing your own vegetables.

Chair of Cumbrae Community Garden, Mazda Munn said, ‘Our aim is to encourage members of the community to grow healthy fruit and vegetables. Our ethos is to inspire healthy eating, share knowledge about growing food and foster community spirit.’

‘We have some exciting plans for our next season. Our Sunday ‘garden get-togethers’ will resume in March and we propose to offer a variety of talks and practical gardening demonstrations throughout the forthcoming season. In collaboration with the Community Art Studio we shall be offering art workshops. We also work with North Ayrshire Council to plant the hanging baskets for the town’s summer displays. The garden is a community resource, and all Millport residents are welcome to join in our horticultural and artistic events.’

If you don’t feel ready to have a plot at the Community Garden you might consider joining ‘Friends of the Garden’ to enjoy the facilities and take part in social events. Friends can help out with garden tasks and share the vegetables produced.

The Community Garden Year begins on 28 January. There are a few plots available and are Cumbrae Community Garden is always pleased to welcome new ‘Friends’.

If you live in Millport and wish to join Cumbrae Community Garden or find out more about the garden please contact Mazda at cumbraecommunitygarden@gmail.com