Fallow Communities (continued)

Soil Connections

I call this beautiful square of land The Green. It's the kind of place that progressive towns would consider as having the potential to be a demonstration garden. Maybe Jedburgh could be that kind of town and that's what I like to think about with this project - what's possible and how can we overcome resistance to positive change.

People in Jed will know the spot. It's nicely tucked away behind the town and is the perfect place to set some planters. I spoke for a while with Paul and John (pictured). John lives in Paradise Cottage and looks on to the land. Both were very enthusiastic about the growing initiative, as was Gina in the house over the wall who said that this project has been a long time coming.

Paul was clearing the border by the track with a view to growing something along the verge which would complement the planters very well. Maybe some veg, soft fruit  and fruit bushes or climbers. We also spoke about the possibility of benches  and a toolshed in the corner which, if we can overcome the red tape often associated with good community ideas, would make the place an excellent green space for citizens to rest and relax. 

One of the finest feature is the wall (in the first picture). It looks like part of an older walled garden. I'm told the green was a market garden some time ago so there's a historical precedent for growing. In the archway they used to put sticks and branches to attract bees and wasps, I imagine to get rid of plant predators and to pollinate the produce. It's a beautiful feature and invites some creative placemaking ideas around how to design the planters, where to place them and what to grow so that it all works aesthetically as well as functionally. With the school on board I have the green marked out in my mind as a safe spot for the wee ones to come and tend to the vegetables and herbs. I think the residents, especially the elderly ones, would welcome that.