Walsall garden lovers gather for first Green Growing event

The housing association brought together people with a passion for plants, gardening and green community spaces at its first-ever Green Growing customer event.

Attendees made the most of the hot summer weather by joining in hands-on activities, sharing gardening tips, meeting likeminded people and taking home free plants and seeds to help their gardens thrive.

The event also celebrated local growing legends as the culmination of whg’s Gardening Competition Awards, open to its customers, saw accolades given to hard-working gardeners.

The day was supported by whg’s local partners including Caldmore Community Garden, Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust, Glendale Services – whg’s grounds maintenance provider – and Beechwood Trees, who shared their expertise and advice.

Deborah Marsh, a whg customer who scooped the award for Best Sustainable or Inclusive Garden, said: “I’m absolutely delighted. I didn’t think I’d ever win anything, but the garden is beautiful. We’ve worked hard to grow more vegetables this year than ever before, and it’s my little haven and sanctuary. I go there when I’m feeling low or high, and I just love being part of a space that brings the community together.”

The event is part of whg’s wider programme to develop and expand green growing spaces across its communities, under the Customers and Communities Strategy and Sustainability Strategy.

By working with customers and partners, whg aims to create engaging, sustainable green spaces that bring people together, encourage outdoor activity and improve wellbeing.

Sarah Clarke, Director of Housing and Customer Services at whg said: “It was wonderful to see our customers and partners enjoying the sunshine, sharing gardening tips and celebrating the competition winners together. Our customers tell us how much they value well-kept gardens and access to green space, and we are committed to creating more of these places so even more people can enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits they bring.”