Rhu Edible garden host community barbecue as thanks

For the last 18 months a dedicated team of volunteers worked hard to get the garden, at Rhu and Shandon Community Centre in the village's Hall Road, into shape and create space for growing lots of fruit and vegetables.

The Edible Garden was established in 2023 and now aims to teach locals how to grow fruit and vegetables in a friendly and sociable environment.

Lorna picking onions from the garden for the salad (Image: Ann Stewart)

Visits to the growing space over the year have included the Helensburgh and Rhu Squirrels, pupils of both Rhu and Lomond Primary school.

People in Rhu and Shandon at the barbecue (Image: Ann Stewart)

Jess McLean, organiser of the edible garden said: "This is a celebration of our harvest and to say thank you to the community and volunteers.

"Over the past 18 months, our construction team have competed the paths, sheds, poly tunnel and raised bed to make gardening easier for the less able with the gardeners growing nearly all the produce from seed.

"Many of the ingredients for the lunch were picked fresh from the garden, with dishes suitable for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets. Around 40 guests arrived and everyone said it was a great day socially and agreed they were all well fed."

There was a wide selection of food on offer the community barbecue (Image: Ann Stewart)

The group were delighted to enter the Helensburgh Horticultural Society Flower Show this summer as the garden produced its first harvest.

They came away with two firsts, three seconds, and three thirds for their vegetable despite the terrible summer weather.

Stuart Graham in charge of cooking (Image: Ann Stewart)

People enjoying the food at the event (Image: Ann Stewart)

And not only do families enjoy using the space, there are plenty of workshops and events planned throughout the year.

There is a Wednesday morning group for parents and children for up to four years old and it has been announced that the return of the popular Christmas wreath making workshop is set to return.

Kate and Florence Smith (Image: Ann Stewart)

Around 40 people attended the event which took place at the weekend (Image: Ann Stewart)

Jess added: "With something new planned throughout the year, it is a way to bring the community together. They had been well supported by the community and wanted to give something back.

"The volunteers enjoyed the work, even in the pouring rain. Coffee and cake mid-way through the morning meant that friendships have developed and turned it into as much a social occasion as a working day."

Free and fresh produce grown in the garden is available for participants and the community.

The group are always looking to welcome more volunteers to help with their next harvest and upcoming events.

To find out more see facebook.com/rhucommunityhall.