The gardening team up at Muirshiel Lane Community Garden recently involved themselves in an open day linked to the Shed’s Community Land Festival delivered across Inverclyde. The Shed team at Muirshiel Lane is headed up by Moira Baxter, Supervisor, who coordinated the event.

What struck me most was the ability Moira has to lead a team. Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to meet all of the gardeners on the Port Glasgow site, but those I did meet were very hands on, working together, getting the small appliances available ready for making a cup of tea and heating up the soup they had made. Well done all!

I previously spoke to Moira at Port Glasgow Town Hall, where she had taken a stall for the Shed and she was really pleased with her straight carrots, that, she said ‘took me four years to perfect those.’ I was therefore amused when Betty, a member of the team, pulled out one root on site that showed a family of carrots. ‘Look at that’ she said! Well done, Betty! I for one don’t care what shape they are. As long as they taste good. But the world is moving towards perfection, even when it comes to veg. so there’s a place for all that is grown.

The onions grown at Muirshiel were magnificent. I haven’t seen better in any of the Supermarkets so Moira’s team are certainly getting it right up there at the top of the Port. I was particularly impressed with a father and son team who were harvesting potatoes. The young lad was 10 years of age and he and his dad were working together and taking real interest in what they were doing. Jac’ was running around getting things in place and looking for a hot drink herself as it was one of those freezing days with the kind of winds that are worse up there at the top of the Port – but things still ran smoothly!

This is the kind of interaction we want to see both in the outdoor activities that the Shed is involved in, but also those that go on indoors. I hope we can find a way to link activities in a way that can show we are inclusive to all. That we want to include children where we can, while remembering our 18 years + membership guidelines. David, Bee-keeping supervisor, was also in attendance at the open day, dressed in the now familiar Big Bee costume. The children loved it!

Beekeeper David Maugere at Muirshiel Lane

Our children are our future and if we can teach them how to grow in discipline, interest, as well as being involved in producing our food, then we are not just being good parents, we are also helping to take a small step towards climate control. The Shed has much to offer to help people meet, make, grow and share. The Muirshiel team certainly have it under control. Volunteers are always welcome for any of the gardening projects, so just get in touch if you want to join us at the Shed.

Growing for the future

Have a Heart