Growing Spaces meeting at Sandra’s house, 11th March 2015
Present – Toni, Sandra, Rosie, Jo, Helen, Li, Jessica, Anna
Intro to GS – Our aims have much in common with Incredible Edible.
For newcomers; do as much or as little as you would like.
GS seeks coordinators, anyone interested?
GS is largely edible landscapes but other things considered.
There are too many apples in town! Lets ask for other fruit trees to be planted.
There are currently 44 people on the mailing list.
We try to allocate people to spaces. Permaculture zoning system could help with this.
Spaces needing allocation; new space in Newnham with watering trough, Aldi space, Bridge Rd, Wycliffe Rd.
Forest gardening was discussed as a useful low maintenance option, although it was agreed that common vegetables should be grown in order that they are recognised and eaten.
The purpose of meetings is to do admin, decide what to plant and to coordinate people and spaces.
Grant money is available for plants.
Helen introduced her place as a potential space to grow vegetables as a nursery space which will then be planted out at the spaces. She and Jo will arrange a work day/meeting.
Anna mentioned students working on spaces as part of their courses.
Other interesting projects; ARU community garden, Murray Edwards community garden, Corinna does school groups, Growing schools network.
Anna interested in education on the spaces.
Transition uses twitter to communicate within the Transition Town network and for publicity to other groups
Discussion on how long someone needs to come to GS meetings before taking initiative and taking action and starting a new project. Sooner is better as you will be fully supported.
Spaces
Sandra to look after Cam Yoga and Daily Bread, which is where her husband works so he can keep an eye. Justine has created a design competition to engage people.
George IVth street space opposite Camyoga, shade suggestions: rainbow chard, solomon seal, wild garlic.
Group looked at pictures of a possible new space in Girton on Jessica’s phone. It seemed to be in an area near to cars which initiated a discussion about pollution.
Margaret Wright community orchard – Li will contact Keith Jordan who is now coordinating.
Ashley court, opposite CB2 – Marie looks after. Seems a bit overgrown, needs thinking about. Suggestions for colour and interesting shapes: beans on wigwam or trellis, articxhoke, nasturtiums, courgette, brussels sprouts.
Action
Rosie T to put up info re Forest Gardening on website
Helen and Jo will arrange a work day at new nursery
Plant rasberries at Cam Yoga on 21st or 23rd.
Marie to set a date for space care at Ashley Court (and seeing if we catch neighbours to hear their opinions).