Growing Stories - The Florrie
Each month we take a trip to one of the network’s amazing growing projects to find out a bit more about the plot, the people, the harvests and the hopes. This month we are catching up with the gardeners at The Florrie, a Liverpool institution in the heart of the Dingle. Kirsty Thomas moved into an office overlooking the newly built garden in the the winter of 2022 and decided there was work to be done. The Florrie Garden Club was set up in Spring of this year to turn the space into a productive food growing space for the whole community.
“Speak to everyone that passes by…
they might be your next gardener, cook or customer.”
What is your growing project called? And where can we find you?
The Florrie Garden, we are part of the amazing Florence Institute on Mill Street in the heart of the Dingle.
Tell us a bit about your project… what do you grow, how many people are involved, who uses your produce?
We are a super new project and this year started by renovating some underused borders and filling them with a mix of fruit bushes and vegetables. We have just been given the go ahead to expand our growing space and have plans to fill the space with “useful” plants – veg, fruit, herbs, edible flowers, wildlife plants, dye plants and more. We are a small team of 4 or 5 volunteer gardeners but are looking for lots more people to get involved. Come join us!
How long has your project been running?
We started in Spring 2022.
What activities do your volunteers and workers take part in?
We have been clearing weeds, shaping new borders, planting, weeding, and propagating. We have just started to install a huge no-dig bed for next season which involved a lot of compost moving!
“I have met so many amazing people of all ages,
from all walks of life and from all over the world.”
What would be your 3 top tips for starting a food growing project?
1. Dream big but break things down into smaller manageable chunks.
2. Speak to everyone that passes by – they might be your next gardener, cook or customer.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for favours – lots of people are really happy to donate materials or support community gardens. Just ask nicely!
What is your favourite food to grow?
I love growing peas – I have very fond memories of podding peas with my dad in the garden.
And what garden tool could you not live without?
My pocket knife – useful for so many things.
What is the most exciting thing about community food growing?
The people! I have met so many amazing people of all ages, from all walks of life and from all over the world.
Tell us what’s next for your project? What are your plans and dreams for the future?
We are about to plant lots of fruit and nut trees, put in loads of flower and herb beds and are working with pupils in the local primary and secondary schools to design and build loads bird and insect habitats. It’s an exciting time! We are also looking for more people to volunteer - no experience needed!