A BOROUGH gardening group has created an oasis of outdoor calm at their Ormonde Road allotment site.
Wokingham Horticultural Association planted up a new outdoor garden room this year on a previously unmanaged plot.
It boasts seating and a pergola, from which to enjoy the seasonal colours of its flower beds.
Now the group has allocated a chatty bench so that people drawn to sit and enjoy the space can also find someone to talk to.
George Spence, Janet Gordon and a team of volunteers from WHA were responsible for the creation of the outdoor room beside the group’s trading store.
“We started the project in May,” said George,
“All the plants and seeds have been contributed by our members.
“It’s an ongoing piece of work that will benefit everyone in the group.”
Chair of the group Lindsey Payne contacted Anchor to find out if WHA could join their Chatty Bench scheme.
“We’ve just been sent our sign to put on the bench,” she said.
“It’s a great scheme, and a lovely way to make sure that people know there is somewhere they can sit if they would like to have a conversation.”
Chatty benches can be seen all over the country, where they help to combat loneliness and bring people together.
Anchor says that it’s a very simple idea, and an important way to create safe environments for people to connect with each other.
The coloured plaques act as a talking point, and encourage people to spark conversations with those around them.
They can be requested via the group’s webpage.
Wokingham Horticultural Association meets regularly and its trading store is open to its members twice a week.
As well as gardening tips, it offers social opportunities throughout the year, including craft groups, outings, activities and events.
George recently entered three ruby-hued dahlias flowers grown in the garden room at the association’s Autumn Show, and was delighted when they won him a first prize.
“All credit to the team who worked very hard to make this garden room,” he said.
“And thanks, too, to Wokingham Town Council who contributed to the project.”
WHA’s next event will be its Pumpkin Festival, held at their Ormonde Road allotments store, on Saturday, October 26, from 1.30pm until 4pm.
For more information, and to join, visit: www.w-h-a.org.uk
For more about Chatty Benches, visit: www.anchor.org.uk
