Regular mini-sessions run at the walled garden on a Sunday from 11am to 1pm and Wednesday from 10am to 12pm. An extra Monday afternoon 1-3pm volunteer session due to start on Monday 18th February for a block of thirteen weeks. Sturdy footwear and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty advised.
Last summer teams of volunteers steadily cleared invasive scrub roots and weeds from the most fertile areas of the 2 acre garden where we have plans for a community orchard, soft fruits, herbs and vegetables. Other areas have been left untouched providing a haven for wildlife and nesting birds. Take a look at images from Ashley Erdman documenting our first year at the secret garden and the impact made by community members.
Further clearance has begun this autumn in the South of the garden with hopes to ‘Adopt a Monument’ with a bit of help from Archaeology Scotland. Returning the 17th century style doocot to good use…lofty dreams for a wee building.
The ‘Kitchen Garden’ is beginning to take shape with our first organic produce this year shared with volunteers, local residents and community meal outlets in the area.
- Heritage wheat as part of Scotland the Bread, field beans and garlic are to be planted this October in rabbit netted areas.
- Landscaping and Heritage Orchard expansion this winter with new apple trees, damsons, walnuts, gage, plum and quince planting to begin with.
- Rustic joinery, signmaking and seating construction.
Lots of other ways you can get involved volunteering with the Friends Group apart from gardening. We also have community events and monthly Open Days at the garden to welcome new visitors and local residents, sharing the story of this hidden gem on Granton’s shore. Great short documentary films and images compiled since December 2017 with thanks to Written in Film Including tales from John Smith, the remarkable market gardener with a lifetime’s experience of growing and tending to this heritage walled garden.
Please note no dogs in the garden please, there are no toilet facilities, no indoor heated space and footpaths are rough. Paths leading to the garden are not wheelchair accessible
Get in touch at grantongarden@gmail.com or via our contacts page if you would like to volunteer at the garden and haven’t been before. Or just drop in and explore on the first Saturday of the month to find out more.
How to find the garden