ONE of the original team behind a community garden in Machynlleth is hanging up her spade to follow other projects.

Kate Doubleday was part of the initial team that began Gerddi Bro Ddyfi Gardens in 2008 and has been expanding and running the garden for nine years. Originally just scrub and wasteland the garden now has a wildlife pond, a meadow that blooms wonderfully each spring, apothecary garden, veg garden, flower garden a shelter and a bird hide.

It is truly a wonderful wildlife garden full of insects birds and most importantly - people. The work in the garden is done by volunteers. Everyone is welcome, anyone who feels that they would like some exercise, good company, or just a place to be quiet, can work or potter or simply sit and enjoy the quiet corner of the Machynlleth Plas grounds. Weeding, preparing the ground, making paths, planting or being part of the many workshops that Gerddi arranges, from wood turning to foraging, willow weaving to bird spotting are all choices in Gerddi.

After nine years Kate is following other projects and handing over the spade to Angela Paxton who has a wide horticultural and teaching and art experience.

The garden and volunteers are supported by Angela every Tuesday from 10am to 4pm.

A recent grant from Awards for All will allow the Angela to continue to work with the volunteers for the next few months and also conduct research about the possible direction of future developments.

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