A Scorching Day at Foothold Community Garden: Sustainable Horticulture in Action
Written by Tir Coed / Monday 05 August 2024
Last week, we experienced one of those quintessential Welsh weather patterns where the skies opened up and drenched everything in sight. Delivering our Sustainable Horticulture course in those conditions was a challenge, but it was a stark reminder to our trainees of the resilience needed to thrive in the outdoor sector! Fast forward to this week, and we’re basking in the glory of a scorching, sun-drenched day at the Foothold Community Garden. The contrast couldn’t be more dramatic, and it perfectly encapsulates the unpredictable nature of our beloved Welsh climate.
The dreadful weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of our talented Sustainable Horticulture trainees in the Foothold Community Garden in Llanelli last week.
The blue skies and sun overhead made our hands-on horticulture sessions not only more enjoyable, but provided an opportunity for our trainees to experience the highs and lows of outdoor work. It’s days like these that emphasise the importance of our courses in preparing trainees for real-world conditions, equipping them with both the skills and the adaptability required for a career in the outdoor sector.
Sustainable Horticulture trainees learning to prune cherry trees to maximise the cherry crop.
Building Skills and Resilience
Our Sustainable Horticulture course is designed to provide hands-on training that covers everything from soil management and plant care to sustainable practices and community involvement. Today’s focus was on practical application, and the clear skies allowed us to dive deep into planting, pruning, and maintenance techniques. Our trainees got their hands dirty, literally and figuratively, as they sowed seeds, weeded raised beds, planted out seedlings and pruned the cherry trees at the garden.
Activity Leader Peter demonstrating the technique using a handsaw.
The Power of Community Partnerships
A key element of our success at Foothold Community Garden is the strong partnerships we’ve built with this fantastic charity and the wider community. These collaborations have not only enhanced our course offerings but have also created a lasting impact that extends far beyond the 20-week duration of the course. By working closely with Foothold Cymru, their volunteers, and our trainees, we’ve supported the transformation of the garden into a vibrant space for learning, growth, and community engagement.
Carmarthenshire Co-ordinator Martyn getting his hands dirty.
A Legacy of Volunteering
One of the most rewarding aspects of our Sustainable Horticulture course is the legacy of volunteering it inspires. Many of our trainees intend on continuing to contribute to the Foothold Community Garden long after the horticulture course has ended. This ongoing involvement not only helps maintain the garden but also provides a valuable resource for new volunteers who benefit from the teaching and guidance of their predecessors.
A healthy harvest from the veg beds.
As we reflect on today’s scorching yet fruitful day, it’s clear that the impact of our work extends beyond individual skill development. We’re cultivating a community of knowledgeable, resilient, and passionate individuals who are prepared to tackle the challenges of working in the ever-changing Welsh weather. Together, we’re building a sustainable future, one plant, one trainee, and one sunny day at a time.
This project is funded by the UK government through Carmarthenshire County Council.
