Dumfries and Galloway Sustainable Food Partnership
Growers gather at Logan Botanics for a nourishing networking event
On the 5th June lots of growers gathered together at Logan Botanic Gardens for a day chatting, learning and networking organised by the DG Climate Hub and Dumfries & Galloway Community Food Network. Thanks to all who made the Growers' Gathering so successful, including Logan Botanic Garden, The Unexpected Garden - Stranraer, Incredible Edible Stranraer, Aldouran Wetland Garden, The Rhins Seed Library, Glentrool Gardening Volunteers, Machars Abundance, South Machars Crop Swaps, Incredible Edible Whithorn and Stranraer Development Trust.
It was a great opportunity for these growers from Stranraer, the Rhins, the Machars, Newton Stewart, Glentrool & Moniaive to connect & share knowledge.
After introducing the various projects in the region, a round of 'seed dating' saw us swapping seeds with each new encounter, and everyone went home with an opportunity to plant something new. While we experienced sun, wind, heavy rain & 10 degrees in quick succession under a marquee, Lusi Alderslowe, a permaculture educator from Propagate held space for a much needed conversation about gardening in climate chaos (main takeaway: diversity is key). We then wrote on plates our needs and offers to encourage more sharing and exchange.
After a delicious lunch, we had an expert tour of the gardens, thanks also to Richard Baines, Logan's curator. We then got creative doing hapazome (plant prints) with fallen leaves & flowers from Logan with Sarah Thomas from the Climate Hub, and weaving willow bird feeders with Lusi Alderslowe. Thanks to Sarah Jane (Juniper Wood Herbs) for assistance!
Local growers are crucial for food security. Especially with the flooding that's been happening in agricultural regions this year their work and knowledge will become increasingly valuable. There's so much on offer from these groups. Check out your local growing groups - they always welcome volunteers and can support you and build confidence to become a grower yourself.
To find your nearest growing space, see
the Dumfries and Galloway Community Food Map here.
