Rooting for Andover was first set up in 2019 by founding members Michael Parker, Maureen Treadwell and Vicki Cunningham. The original aim was to find ways to increase the number of allotments and growing spaces in Northern Andover. Unfortunately, pre-approved planning permissions meant that further allotment allocations would not be possible. However, this led to discussions regarding community gardens and whether it was possible to set one up. After many discussions with local landowners, TVBC, Andover Town Council and local councillors, an unused area of scrubland near to Augusta Park’s Community Centre was identified as a potential suitable site. While the land still belonged to Taylor Wimpey, who were still building in the area, they liked the idea and in conjunction with TVBC, agreed for a licence to be put in place for Rooting for Andover to make a community garden.

As the area of land was in Poppy Park, the name Poppy Community Garden was chosen. Grants from the National Lottery and Andover Town Council allowed plans to be made and materials to be purchased so on 31 December 2021, work first started on clearing the area which is now the front entrance down to the pond. This was mostly brambles and scrub. The removed brambles were used to start the first of the ‘dead hedges’ down the righthand side of the entrance path. Once cleared, composting bays with guttering for rain water capture were installed. These were swiftly followed by two hügelkultur beds (large mounds constructed from decaying wood such as logs and branches, mulch and other compostable plant materials which is then planted as a raised bed. This type of gardening helps with moisture retention, soil warming and soil fertility).

Pond digging (with assistance from Andover Round Table) then commenced to provide a water source for the local nature. Raised beds and a bug hotel made from unwanted pallets were also added. This was then followed by a large flower bed and herb bed. As we had no polytunnel or greenhouse at that stage, the Trustees and volunteers were planting seeds and growing on plants at home. Once we reached May, veggies were planted into the raised beds and flowers put into the flower bed. Oxygenating plants were added to the pond and waste branches and pine cones put into the bug hotel. Seating was added by the pond for visitors to sit, relax and enjoy the garden,

On 11 June 2022, we held our grand opening and Councillor Nick Matthews did the honours of cutting the ribbon. The local community came along to view the garden, talk to the team and to buy plants. In July 2022, our entry into the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ South and South East in Bloom competition was judged. We achieved a ‘Thriving’ rating, which was a wonderful achievement for our first year. A shed and then two small polytunnels were added to help with storage and growing. The tomatoes, beans and courgettes did particularly well that year but a hosepipe ban caused us some problems with watering.

October saw the community garden turned into the Haunted Garden for some Halloween fun. Work started on the orchard area and many bulbs were planted for spring colour. An old trampoline was re-purposed to provide a ‘moon door’ into the orchard area which was planted with climbing roses and clematis.

In 2023, we held our first ever Easter Egg hunt, which was well attended even though it was raining. Winning a prize of money to spend in the local Dobbies meant lots of new plants were added to the flower beds and trees were added to the orchard (which has a good selection of apple and pear trees as well as some cherry and plum). Soft fruit such as raspberries, currants and josta berries were also added. A woodchip path was added from the front entrance to the orchard to make it more easily accessible and a new long flower bed border was added on the right-hand side.

Over the summer, we held three square foot gardening sessions and added our own example bed into the garden to show how much could be grown in a small space. The other raised beds were packed with veggies including some new ones for the garden, such as pumpkins and parsnips.

Our entry into the RHS’s ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ South and South East in Bloom competition was judged in July. In September we found at that we had achieved the top level 5 ‘Outstanding’ rating. The judge’s report commented how the garden was making a difference to local people and was employing good gardening practice with our plant choices which enhanced the area. Within their feedback, the RHS also stated that:

“Following last year’s achievements, the group have expanded the growing area considerably, the fruit tree orchard has established successfully with the introduction of wild flowers across the orchard. The pond has matured well with several inhabitants namely frogs etc. The raised growing beds are in full production and repainted in vibrant colours as you enter the garden. Produce has been made available for all with a free distribution point at the entrance; further quiet areas have been created so visitors can use the garden as a place to enhance their mental health...”

The polytunnels had become damaged in poor weather so a grant was applied for which allowed us to purchase a more heavy duty and larger polytunnel. This has subsequently also proved useful to gather in when it rains! A donated pergola was added with some wooden raised planters for grape vines to be added. Another successful Halloween event took place with many local ghouls and spooky characters turning up.

The plans for 2024 will see the completion of a new bog garden, changes to our water storage system to help with summer watering and our entry into an environmental challenge as well as more seating. The local community were consulted at the start of 2024 for their feedback for what they wanted to see in the garden and this will shape our plans going forward.

In addition to the community garden, the team are regularly out and about attending events such as the Healthy Living ones arranged by the NHS or in conjunction with Unity to provide garden-based entertainment or information to all. Rooting for Andover have also been looking after the orchard on Smannell Road in Augusta Park as well as adding another mini orchard in Roman Way and fruit trees in the King Arthur’s Way area. The war memorial bench area just outside the community garden has also been looked after by Rooting for Andover and we continue to talk to TVBC about other areas that need to be looked after.

If you ever have any questions about Rooting for Andover, then please do feel free to contact us via the website, our social media or have a chat when you see us in the garden.

Rooting for Andover is run as a charity on a non-profit basis.