The summer is here and the Garden’s been busy with planting, weeding, construction and children exploring nature. We have updates on this and a couple of great workshops and events coming up, more news of arrivals and departures, and volunteering opportunities.

We hope you enjoy this issue and remember further details about all the events and new stuff as it comes are available on our website and our Facebook page, or Instagram.

Farewell to Peter

Sadly, since our last newsletter, we have had to say goodbye to Peter Christopher, our Community Gardener. As we can no longer employ him on a full-time basis and he has many other commitments, Peter has regretfully decided not to continue working with PLANT (although he will still support us with advice and help where he can). We are very sorry to lose him and all who worked with him would agree that we have learned so much from him. His contribution in developing the Community Garden has been immense and he will be very much missed.

Community Garden growing
 

The Polycrub is nearing completion and the front gable end will be completed soon. Will took a break from the Polycrub to erect a Brassica Cage, all done to foil the cabbage white butterflies and pigeons. Meanwhile, the Polytunnel saga goes on. Better news now, however, as we had contractors visit and they have promised us quotes for repair and replacement to present to the insurers. Rather than let the space go to waste, we have planted out tomatoes and intend to plant beans, squashes and sweetcorn in the polytunnel over the next week. We are managing well now but as volunteers take holidays, we may need additional cover.

The willow tunnel has been receiving a lot of attention since the willow workshop.  Our newly trained willow-weavers have been working hard to bring it back into some sort of order, before the willows turn into large trees.

We had another successful Plant Fayre on 29th of May which raised over £200 and with other donations, we banked over £300 in May. Thanks everyone for your generosity and help to keep the Garden going.

And finally - some of you may have noticed a new structure in the Community Garden (picture above). Thanks to Mark, we now have a secure custom-built shed made entirely from recycled wood to house the cargo bike.

We also have a couple of growing workshops coming up - see the Events below.

New contact for volunteers
 

We would like to thank Shona, one of our newer members, for stepping up to the challenge of helping with some of our admin. Here is a wee note from her:

I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Shona Robertson and I've recently started volunteering for PLANT having moved to Tayport. I'm loving the gardening but have also taken on overseeing the admin e-mail account and the volunteer database. I've e-mailed out recently to get details updated so check your inbox and fill out the form if you're an existing volunteer. If you haven't received the form, or would like to start volunteering, drop me a line at admin@tayportgarden.org.

Can you help us tend to our online spaces?
 

Forest garden is looking good with an abundance of blooms. Edibles ready now include sorrel, perennial kale, purslane, rhubarb and various herbs. We now have slabs to make an all accessible path, and a lovely picnic table so people can enjoy the forest garden in comfort. Thanks to Steve Forgan for supplying the wheelchair accessible picnic table.

 

PLANT Committee and Volunteer meetings
 

Members of the Management Committee and Volunteers held a well-attended meeting in the Larick Centre on Wednesday, 1st June.  These monthly meetings are management meetings but are also important for ensuring that volunteers have a say in running PLANT, especially the Community Garden. These meetings are even more important now that our Community Gardener is no longer able to help.
The next meeting is Wednesday 6 July 2022, 7pm, The Larick Centre – all volunteers welcome.

We have had two visits from the Tayport Primary, with another planned for the end of the month. Primary 1 made bird feeders and planted sunflowers, Primary 4/5s were watering and weeding and 2/3s will be learning all about worms.

Plantlets, a stay and play group for young children and their carers, have also been enjoying the sunshine. They do songs and nature based activities each week between 10.15 and 11.30 on Tuesdays. All welcome, no need to book, and it's free. Thanks to Janice for organising it all!

Tayport Talks weekly sessions have been getting busier every week and thanks to our lovely young volunteer, Essa Flett, we now have the first interview of memories of Tayport’s past recorded for posterity!

The last of our regular Tuesday afternoon sessions (2.15-3.45pm) is in the Larick Centre on 14th June before a summer break. All welcome to join us for a chat with tea and cake.

This Saturday 11th of June, we have a Local and Family History Day at the Larick Centre, including a talk from acclaimed local author Frank Woods and a photographic exhibition. Booking is essential - get in touch with Gillian 07724194057 or tayporttalks@tayportgarden.org. The free photographic exhibition will continue on Sunday, 12th June. Bring your family and your own photos and memories to share.

We will continue adding to the list so keep an eye out for updates on the on our Facebook page and website.

Tayport Talks – Local and Family History Day
Saturday 11 June, 11 am to 2:30pm
The Larick Centre, Sea Eagle Hall
This free event will include a talk from acclaimed local author Frank Woods and a photographic exhibition. There will be a chance to participate in keeping your memories of Tayport alive and to enjoy coffee, lunch and a chat.
Booking: Gillian Fyfe tayporttalks@tayportgarden.org or 07724 194057

Tayport Talks – Images and Memories photo exhibition
Sunday 12 June, 10am - 4pm
Larick Centre, Red Squirrel Room
A free exhibition of old photos together with memories gathered during the Tayport Talks project bring your family and your own memories and photos to share.
Booking: not required
Contact: Gillian Fyfe tayporttalks@tayportgarden.org or 07724 194057

Introduction to permaculture
Sunday 19 June, 10am - 4pm
Tayport Community Garden
One-day hands on introduction to Permaculture with Carole Egner, of Echo Earth Care Market Garden and Nursery about a planet- and people-friendly system of gardening (and much more)? This is designed for complete beginners, but even if you know a little bit about permaculture already, you will probably still learn a lot. Read about how we've been using permaculture at the Community Garden. There is no charge for the day, but please bring food to share and donations to PLANT will be very welcome.
More info: Facebook event
Booking: admin@tayportgarden.org

PLANT Committee and Volunteer meeting
Wednesday 6 July, 7pm
The Larick Centre
Have your say and help with running of PLANT projects, especially the Community Garden. All volunteers welcome!
Contact: admin@tayportgarden.org

Seashore Foraging
Sunday 14 August, all day
Seashore and Tayport Community Garden
One-day introduction to seaweed foraging with Jayson Byles, of East Neuk Seaweed. A morning of foraging on the seashore followed by a cooking demonstration at the Community Garden. There is no charge for the day, but please bring food to share and donations to PLANT will be very welcome. Times and details will be confirmed closer to the date.
More info: Facebook event
Booking: admin@tayportgarden.org