PROPERTY: Ulverston residents sow seeds of a brighter community

The past few months have seen residents of the town's Ullswater Close coming together to plant wildflower seeds, put up bird boxes, and plant raised beds of home-grown vegetables.

Lyn Richardson, community engagement officer for social landlord South Lakes Housing, said Cumbria Wildlife Trust did a workshop with families that resulted in a wonderful bug hotel. Seed bombs were also created with seeds kindly donated by the Grow Wild project, run by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Ulverston in Bloom and Incredible Edible Ulverston, which encourages fruit and veg growing in the community, ran a successful afternoon culminating in lots of hours of hard work planting raised beds, a living wall and plant pots. The garden is now full of herbs, edible flowers, beans, broccoli, kale, carrots and more.

Resident Sue Thompson, said: "It’s been wonderful having the whole community together on this project and the children have loved planting and caring for the gardens."

Neighbour Sophie Ormandy added: "I enjoyed making my colourful features and putting a smile on people's faces when they walk past, and I loved all the positive comments about it."

Lyn, of South Lakes Housing, told the Gazette: "It is incredible how the community have all come together to make Ullswater Close a brighter and friendlier place to be.

"The use of old tyres and hub caps adds to the character of the flower gardens and shows what can be achieved on a limited budget."

She thanked contributors Continental Landscapes, Bell Group, JT Leyland and Kew Gardens.

Kim Farr, Ulverston in Bloom and Incredible Edible coordinator, said: "With a bit of support this vibrant community has created a beautiful space for families and wildlife, and will be able to show their children that you can eat what you grow."

Ullswater Close has now been put forward for the Ulverston Charter Gardening Competition 2018, and the judges' tour for Cumbria in Bloom and Britain in Bloom.