GARDEN UPDATE After a long, cold winter the warm weather has finally arrived! At the time of writing, we are getting everything ready for our Open Day on 18th May. Storytelling in our new yurt (paid for by the ASDA Foundation), a talk on the honey bee, performances by our Garden Jamming percussion group, face-painting and children’s craft activities are all planned. Of course, we will also be selling a range of plants, herbs and bedding plants. If you’ve missed it, don’t worry. We will be holding another open day on Saturday 28th September where we will be selling our Harvest produce and a range of garden crafts. We’re grateful to all those who have helped the Community Market Garden in recent months, including Skanska, Cadbury, Synergi, Watford Grammar School for Boys, Watford Girls Grammar School and Farming for All. We hope that you like our first ever newsletter. If you would like to receive it regularly (we’re hoping to write one every season), then please email Rebecca at rpalmer@wnht.org or phone 01923 210 680.
ABOUT US
Watford New Hope Trust (WNHT) exists to serve homeless and vulnerably-housed people by providing accommodation and opportunities to rebuild damaged lives. Founded upon Christian values, which are at the core of our operation, we support people regardless of faith. We house up to 60 people every night and help over 600 people every year.
CREATIVE CORNER
When Owen first came to the garden last September he wasn’t sure if it would be for him. After a chat with Ian it became clear that he enjoyed being outside and loved making things. Owen explained what he most enjoys about the garden: ‘Lunchtimes!’ he said with a big grin. Then, ‘No, it gets me out, fresh air, birds singing and everyone teaming together and working.’ His first project was to make a raised bed for
the Swiss chard and Owen explained that he found satisfaction in ‘making productive stuff for food.’ As autumn drew on, Owen, taking an idea that a friend suggested, built an impressive wishing well and situated it in a previously overgrown corner of the garden which, tackling brambles and thorns, he cleared with the help of a friend. Now with a spray of narcissi bobbing out from a pool of soil it stands as a symbol of hope near the entrance to the woodland. When asked about it Owen modestly replied: ‘It’s good to achieve something and look back on it’ and explained that he loves ‘getting ideas from other people that can be put into structures.’ A talented artist, Owen is now exploring how he can decorate the well with his work. As well as the chance to express and develop his skills it is clear that Owen also enjoys the tranquillity of the garden. ‘It gives me time to reflect’ he says, paintbrush in hand: ‘Any chance of a coffee?’
WILDLIFE WATCH
MEET THE GARDEN STAFF TEAM!
We recently came upon the unsettling news that Hertfordshire has lost at least 17 different species of butterflies, 75% of its bumblebees and 83% of its Cinnabar moths. What can we do? Grow flowers (wild or cultivated), grasses and other plants so that insects can gather nectar as well as eat and lay their eggs. If you are considering which flowers are suitable for butterflies, we recommend having a look at
Meet Ian, Kathryn and Rebecca – the staff team who are working together to help the garden grow!
www.hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk
Ian looks after the vegetables, plants and herbs, and
loves seeing people develop their skills. Kathryn is the Creative Arts Supervisor and is
passionate about teaching people arts and crafts.
At the Community Market Garden we take conservation seriously with our bug boxes, bat box and hedgehog house. These have the beneficial side effect of keeping pests which kill our plants in check: hedgehogs eat slugs, and ladybirds and lacewing eat aphids. Much better than spraying with horrible pesticides and service users enjoy making them.
Rebecca works with local companies, schools and
groups who volunteer in the garden.
VOLUNTEER PROFILE I have been a volunteer for about three years, coming in every Wednesday.
RECIPE
Salmon & Garfunkel!
Each time is different: jobs include planting seeds, re-potting plants, weeding, picking beans, washing flowerpots. It is great every week to see what has grown or changed since the previous week. The weather is always significant (thermals essential in winter!). I love meeting all the very different people who work here and seeing lives changed by being here. The garden is a busy place but there is also a great sense of God’s peace and presence. Cathy Heath
‘Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme’ 1 1/2 lbs salmon fillets, 1 piece wild (not farmed) 1 tablespoon fresh parsley 1 tablespoon fresh sage 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme 1/2 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Directions: 1) Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. 2) Put all the herbs together and chop ‘em up fine. 3) Rinse fish and pat dry. Place in a large baking dish. 4) Add olive oil to fish and make sure it’s well coated. 5) Add balsamic vinegar to fish, sprinkle chopped herbs on top of the fish. Add salt and pepper to taste. 6) Marinate for one hour, then put in oven for 15-20 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish. You may need more time if the fish is thick.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Are you green-fingered? Creative? Does your company give you volunteering days?
If so, we would love to hear from you. We need more people to help in the garden with sowing, weeding, watering and harvesting, and we’re also looking for creative and crafty people to share their skills. Join the team and help plants and people grow!
ADDRESS
phone 01923 210 680
67 Queens Road
web
www.wnht.org
info@wnht.org
Watford New Hope Trust Watford WD17 2QN
t Search for @wnht
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WATFORD NEW HOPE TRUST IS A REGISTERED CHARITY (1080784) AND A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE (03969063) REGISTERED OFFICE: CANSDALES, BOURBON COURT, NIGHTINGALES CORNER, LITTLE CHALFONT, BUCKS, HP7 9QS.