Q Gardens springs to life in Kirkholt

Gemma Russell, Joanna Fullman, Julie Finigan, Chris Woodruff, Councillor Dale Mulgrew, Councillor Richard Farnell, Phil Treaton

A new growing project is starting to flourish with activity in Rochdale.

Q Gardens, based on Queen’s Drive in Kirkholt, is a community growing area for residents to learn new skills and grow their own food.

The Q Gardens site boasts four raised planters, two additional large growing areas, three portable cabins and a seeded wildflower area.

Weekly growing sessions are every Wednesday between 11am and 3pm. Residents from across Rochdale, of any age and ability, are invited to attend the sessions to learn or share their knowledge of growing vegetables, herbs and fruit. 

The project has received support from Councillors Richard Farnell and Dale Mulgrew who were the driving force behind it getting off the ground.

Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale is working in partnership with Rochdale Boroughwide Housing to help residents get the growing space off the ground. 

Chris Woodruff, staff member of RBH Communities First Team, said: “We’re delighted that Q Gardens is up-and-running and we hope that local residents will get involved. It is an exciting opportunity for tenants and residents to meet up and either have their own plot or attend the training sessions on offer from Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale.”

Gemma Russell, Education and Community Project Officer from Groundwork, said: “We’re really excited about Q Gardens as we have such a lovely space to work. We hope that residents from across Rochdale can come together to learn and share knowledge of food growing. We can’t wait for the summer to see the produce being harvested and enjoyed.”

It is hoped Q Gardens will provide an opportunity for people to get involved in growing their own fruit and vegetables, refining their growing skills whilst meeting new people and improving their well-being. This knowledge can then be used to grow fresh food at home, either in the garden, in plant pots or even on the window sill.

If you would like to get involved and try your hand at growing, attend the weekly sessions every Wednesday 11am-3pm. For more information call Gemma Russell on 0161 624 1444 or text 07835 584 286.