GREEN-fingered Houlton residents have celebrated the launch of their first allotments.
A group of 39 keen veggie growers of all ages and backgrounds gathered for the official allotment opening.
Young resident Harry and his dad Gareth Miller helped wield the secateurs for the official ribbon cutting, while Houlton’s Master Developer Urban and Civic presented each allotment plot holder with an essentials starter pack featuring gardening gloves, seed packets and flower scissors.
The welcome packs also included a QR code which links residents to an exclusive Allotments WhatsApp group – a shared platform where the group can continue networking, swapping stories and sharing tips and tricks for success.
The session continued with a talk from Amber from Bradley Murphy Design who contributed ideas and hacks – sharing tips on how to plan and plant your space to maximise sunlight and how to manage your plot through the harsher winter months.
The group were then taken on a guided tour of Houlton’s new formal open space, which is situated beside the allotments. The new open space includes football pitches, a table tennis area, community garden and a pristine ‘yoga lawn’.
The allotments, which are available exclusively to Houlton residents, are the first of three sets of allotments to be delivered at Houlton.
Kyle Smith, from Urban and Civic, said: “It was absolutely fantastic to see this first wave of plot holders come together to celebrate the start of their journey. The day was filled with much excitement and there’s already been talk of an Allotments Association, further education-focused sessions and quarterly get-togethers.
“Residents are excited to work on their allotments which really is no surprise given the current cost-of-living crisis and the desire to take part in outdoor activities. The appetite for plots has been wonderful with many showing an active interest in the mental, social, environmental and physical health benefits gardening can bring to one’s life.”
