Disused land is being put to productive use as concerns about the economic downturn, global warming and food miles convince more people to grow their own vegetables.
The Green Network Partnership is encouraging people, especially those without gardens and with no gardening experience, to don their wellies and plant their own mini crops.
Even former brownfield sites can be used - huge planting sacks filled with topsoil can be imported into sites with very poor or contaminated soil. The custom made kits can also be used on sites earmarked for development which have stalled. Crops are planted in the portable growing sacks rather than in permanent beds so the development can still go ahead at a later date.
The scheme was inspired by a report entitled SAGE (Sow and Grow Everywhere) produced by the Green Network Partnership which looked at the amount of disused land in Glasgow.
The St Matthew’s Centre in Possilpark is leasing a site at 200 Balmore Road and has turned it into a Concrete Garden. It is being transformed with 20 raised beds, and two greenhouses. The project is a partnership between the centre, NVA and ERZ Architects.
Individuals, families, schools or community groups will be able to apply for a plot and everything they grow in it will be for their own consumption. Horticultural advice will also be available.
Maryhill/Kelvin & Canal Community Planning Board has supported the Possilpark Concrete Garden project which aims to boost local food production, demonstrate the physical and mental health benefits of gardening, promote healthier eating and beautify unsightly spots.
It has also received finance from Culture & Sport Glasgow, Glasgow City Council’s Development and Regeneration Services and the local Community Health & Care Partnership.
Bailie Ellen Hurcombe, chair of Maryhill/Kelvin& Canal Community Planning Board, said: “Glasgow has acres of disused and derelict land which could be used to grow food. These sites, both big and small, are often eyesores which blight communities.
“This project aims to put one such site to good use – saving people money on groceries, reducing their carbon footprint by cutting food miles and encouraging them to get out into the fresh air and enjoy some exercise. The projects will also be beneficial for wildlife as well as people.”
The Concrete Garden will be launched at a special event for invited guests on June 11 between 3pm and 5pm.
Father David Wostenholm of the St Matthew’s Centre said: “We are trying to keep Glasgow green and improve the environment by turning wasteland back into green land. Possilpark is a deprived area and this site has been derelict for decades. We are keen to upgrade the physical environment as well as growing food.”
Angus Farquhar, Creative Director of NVA, said: “Sow and Grow Everywhere (SAGE) is the simple acronymn for what we hope will be a significant contribution to helping people to grow their own food in a city environment. Greater Glasgow has plenty of vacant and underused land and huge waiting lists for allotments. NVA and ERZ landscape designers’ approach demonstrates an innovative and visually striking set of solutions that can be picked up and replicated across the region.”
In Glasgow’s East End, Shettleston Community Growing Project plans to create 40 raised beds, seven hothouses and a community café on a former builders’ yard. There will also be an orchard and a part-time project officer providing advice on gardening, cooking, recycling and sustainable energy.
Part of the site is owned by the city council and Shettleston Housing Association has also donated land. The project has received £170,000 from the Climate Challenge Fund.
Further details on the Shettleston project are available from Seamus Connolly of Glasgow City Council on 0141 287 8618.
Anyone keen to obtain a plot in the Concrete Garden should contact Father David Wostenholm on 0141 336 7480 or Jain at Depot Arts on 0141 336 5808.