We are delighted to let you know that the annual Let’s Grow Preston Spring Fair will return on Saturday 27 th  April. Join us for another day full of colour and fun at our walled  garden in Ashton Park. Following the success of last year’s event, with almost 1,000  guests attending throughout the day, a special visit from the mayor of Preston and entertainment reflecting the vibrant culture of our community, this year’s event promises to be just as exciting. Music on the day will be provided by the South Ribble Concert Band  who will be playing uplifting big band music. The Ashtones Community Choir will also be serenading the crowd with some unexpected delights just as they did last year. Combine all this with a plant sale offering flowers and veggies  grown by our wonderful volunteers, a cake and bake sale and plenty of interesting stalls, our Spring Fair offers something for everyone. Annie Wynn BEM, our CEO, is looking forward to the big day: “Our annual Spring Fair is the perfect opportunity to welcome in the community. Our staff and volunteers work hard to make our gardens look spectacular every day, including cultivating many of the plants themselves. There will be plenty of these for sale at the fair, as well as entertainment, crafts, stalls, and refreshments. All are welcome, so why not come and join us.”  Click here for the Facebook event. - https://www.facebook.com/events/1467320964199688   Want to donate or be part of our Spring Fair with a craft or community stall? Send us an email at letsgrowpreston@gmail.com

A sea of Spring bulbs is a beautiful sight, so too the intense colour of a Summer border, but neither can compete with the riot of reds, oranges and yellows as the green leaves of Summer give way to the colder shorter days of Autumn. While Autumn gives us some of the most colourful scenes nature has to offer, it can also be the ficklest of the seasons, a tree with a jaw-dropping display of fiery red leaves one year, can be drab and underwhelming the next. What influences that? Why can't we guarantee a spectacular display every year? The answer is complicated. For that perfect Autumn display we need to look back, back as far as the previous growing year. What we need is a decent growing season, nothing special at this stage, just no major droughts and a decent bit of sun. So, nothing to stress the plants, that way they go into the next year in good health. But before we get to the next growing season along comes Winter and this plays its part in the quality of colour the following Autumn too. We don’t want any crazy record low temperatures that may damage some plants, but we do need a few frosts, so the plants go properly dormant. Plants like a good sleep in winter and so a mild winter where they never quite stop growing isn’t ideal. Now we get to the important bit, the growing season just before Autumn. We need Spring and Summer to be great growing times, with lots of sunshine and no prolonged dry spells. Sounds straightforward and it is, but the problem is it never really happens. Our Summers can often be much wetter than is ideal or increasingly we have periods of baking hot dry weather that stresses plants. If we do manage this great growing season, how does it give us the Autumn we are looking for? The sun lets the leaves build up all the compounds needed to give those amazing colours and the rain means they never get dry and tatty looking. For our gardens in Preston, 2023 hasn't been too bad. Last year was a decent growing year, Winter was good, and Spring and Summer have been perfect, so what could possibly go wrong in Autumn? What we need would be a cold settled spell. Night time temperatures nice and low, but still dry sunny days, with beautiful blue skies providing the foil for fiery foliage. When you consider all of that, the perfect Autumn is a big ask and the frequent storms and heavy rain didn't help. But the good news is we don’t need perfection to give impressive displays and there are trees that will look beautiful even in terrible growing years. I enjoy the chase for the perfect conditions even if they never come. Particular highlights for me this Autumn have been the avenue of Lime Trees in Haslam Park, turning a lovely golden yellow and the range of colours on show in the rock garden in Avenham Park. If you love Autumn too why not share some pictures with us or let just let us know some good spots in and around the city. Chris Taylor, Horticulture Project Officer Grange Community Garden Let's Grow Preston.

We are delighted to announce that we are now a Living Wage Employer to deliver a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work. This means that everyone working at Let’s Grow Preston receive an hourly rate of at least £10.90 (the living wage), significantly higher than the government minimum for over 23s, which currently stands at £9.50 per hour. Annie Wynn, our Development Director, said: "We're super proud to announce that we're now an accredited Living Wage employer. This means that as a charity we've made the conscious decision to ensure that all our employees are paid a fair day's wage. Paying the real Living Wage is the right thing to do as a responsible employer to ensure our staff know how much we value them". Cllr Freddie Bailey, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building said: “We welcome this move from Let’s Grow Preston as we continue to strive to make Preston a Real Living Wage City. 24 Preston employers are now accredited to the Real Living Wage scheme and we encourage more Preston businesses to consider doing the same as it strengthens employee wellbeing, and ensures that employees have enough in their pay packets to meet their everyday needs.” Katherine Chapman, Director, Living Wage Foundation said: “We’re delighted that Let’s Grow Preston has joined the movement of almost 11,000 responsible employers across the UK who voluntarily commit to go further than the government minimum to make sure all their staff earn enough to live on. These businesses recognise that paying the real Living Wage is the mark of a responsible employerand they, like Let’s Grow Preston, believe that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay."

On Friday 14th October 2022, our Development Director, Annie Wynn, received her British Empire Medal (BEM) from The Rt Hon the Lord Shuttleworth KG KCVO, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire. Annie was awarded the BEM for “services to the community in Preston, Lancashire, particularly during Covid-19” as part of The Queen’s Jubilee Birthday Honours in June 2022. She is pictured with Taz (Mohammed Tahir Ali) from the Preston Community Hub who also received a BEM.

Let's Grow Preston is delighted to receive a special tree from The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) “Tree of Trees” which stood tall as a message of hope, regeneration and optimism to the nation and the world as part of the Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations. LGP joins over 300 organisations from across the UK who were announced by the QGC as recipients of these special trees in The Queen’s name. Preston was chosen as a Queen’s Green Champion City and LGP is one of only 8 organisations in Lancashire to receive one of these special trees in recognition of the community work that we do. The tree becomes part of the living legacy in honour of Her Majesty, joining over a million trees already planted across the UK as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy. We will be joined by the King’s official representative, The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, and the Mayor of Preston to help to plant the tree at 1pm on the 20th November 2022 at the Hub on Grange park, off Mitton Drive, Ribbleton, Preston. On the day we'll have a variety of activities including willow weaving, a hedge laying demonstration and the opportunity for people to build a bird or bat box for the park. We are also working in partnership with Preston City Council to offer people the chance to plant and take home with them a small cherry tree. “Receiving such a special tree is a huge honour for Let’s Grow Preston and is recognition for all the work that we do to support the Preston community, improving people’s physical and mental well-being through nature. However, we wouldn’t be able to do anything without the generosity of our volunteers and the collaborative and cooperative way we work with Preston Food Hub Network, the allotmenteers and so many grassroot groups and local businesses” said Development Director for LGP, Annie Wynn.

In this episode, Annie Wynn chats to Lucy Baxter about the amazing work that Let Grow Preston does in the community and how nature and gardening is incredibly important for our mental health. Click to open Spotify to listen

Do you want to know how to create a successful composting system for your garden, but other than getting one of those things that look like a Dalek, shoving all of your veg peelings and garden waste in and then praying for compost, don't know where to start? Then come along to our FREE Composting Course! Saturday 8 June 10am-12noon Ashton Walled Garden, Ashton Park, off Pedders Lane, Preston, PR2 1HL Reserve your place at https://lgp-compostingcourse2019.eventbrite.co.uk The course will cover all areas of composting including: The theory of good composting What is compost? Why is it useful in the garden? Building and managing a compost heap. Composting techniques for smaller gardens. All materials will be provided but please bring gardening gloves and wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear as the course will go ahead regardless of weather conditions (shelter is available in cases of extreme weather). Contact us to find out more at letsgrowpreston@gmail.com or 07535 836364

Good afternoon and welcome to a fresh new work into the busy life of Alex Ashworth and is voluntary commitments in and around the Lancashire district. Last Monday Steve Smith ( senior ranger at Preston Parks ) asked if I'd like to come in on Bank Holiday Monday, without any reluctance I immediately said an affirmative yes. So here I am writing about this mornings activities on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May 2016. I arrived at the Pavilion base at approximately 9.45am. As I made my way up the path towards the base, Steve asked if I could hear the kettle. This was a clear indication that a brew was on it's way. I reached the base and waited a couple of minutes before I gladly received a warm cup of coffee and by the looks of how the weather was outside I needed it as fuel before the hour of litter clearance was upon us. Litter picker at the ready? Check. Bin bags in order ( two in total)? Check. Fully clothed with waterproof resistant gear on? Check. Then we're both ready to tackle the onslaught of torrential rain, wind, the occasional dog walkers and the resilient joggers. Let's do it. We got back more drenched than when we started but the good news is that the park is clean for another week and above anything that is vital for the Park to run efficiently and in clean working order. After a quarter of an hour having a rest and brew we continued with part two of our morning activity. Last week, if you remember I helped Steve do a series of weeding to the right of the park, this week we concluded that area of weeding into two wheelbarrows. We then did some wildflower sowing in the community fruit garden with seeds from the "Grow Wild" charity from Kew Gardens. The seeds contained ;- common knapweed, cornflower, corn chamomile, corn cockle, corn marigold, corn poppy, hedge bedstraw, meadow buttercup, oxeye daisy, red campion, ribwort plantain, viper's bugloss and yarrow. Steve did a demonstration as to how to plant them. Simply open the seal of the package, place into your hand and scatter them across the fruity garden. I got the first part right but I forgot to place it in my hand and instead scattered it from the package. After a reminder from Steve I corrected my mistake and did it as demonstrated. The seeds were obtained by the ranger on behalf of the Friends of Ashton Park. We'd just about finished and the weather was brightening up. The final task was to take out the weeds we'd collected into the barrows and deposit them into the skip. Steve took care of his barrow and I followed suit with mine. Time was fast approaching 12noon and we had to say our goodbye's for another session. I'll be back at Ashton Park on Wednesday for Let's Grow Preston but for now we bid each other farewell and reconvene mid week. This is Alex Ashworth signing off for another productive morning with Preston Parks and senior ranger Steve Smith, a work colleague whose kind encouragement is exemplary.

Good afternoon and welcome to the last blog of this week documenting the voluntary roles young Alex Ashworth is participating in. This morning was the fortnight schedule I have for the Bees, Butterflies and Bikes group as part of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. I arrived at the meeting point (outside The Anderton Arms pub in Fulwood) at approximately 9.50am. Time soon marched on to 10.am and Chris hadn't arrived so I was getting worried as to whether Chris had text me to let me know it wasn't on and I hadn't received his text. Anyway that was no longer a concern as Chris appeared about 10.05am. After a brief apology as to being a little late I was soon introduced to a new volunteer. She was very friendly and good fun, we soon got chatting as we began working later on. Chris made us aware there was only one seat available in his car as the back was crammed full of trees and plants. This meant I would follow him to the allocated site to do the required work. Our first port of call was at a Guild Wheel site in which we planted Great Burnet and Hedge Woundwort. It was here where myself and the new volunteer had a really good chat whilst carrying out the work. We planted these plants by finding a desirable area, removed some of the grass and used a trowel to scoop out the soil, once done the plant was ready to be sealed in. This took us till 11.15am by which time Chris let us know we were moving to a different site to plant some Meadow Cranesbill and Meadowsweet. So it was back to our sturdy vehicles, Chris to his van and I went to my faithful Toyota Yaris and off we went, up the beaten track, well it was only round the corner but still, it was a dusty road leading to the main road. For the next twenty minutes we planted the Meadow Cranesbill and Meadowsweet as onlookers were going by, including the interested public, dog walkers and cyclists. The sun was beating down on our diligent work and we were all really benefitting from being outside and especially working outdoors making our contribution to a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment and one in which everybody can enjoy too. The final task took us till the finishing time of 12noon. It involved scrambling down a hill and delicately picking out the Himalayan Balsam which at this stage was only about the size of your little finger but it's effective to root them out now before they become to tall to manage and cut back. It was really enjoyable and it increased our perceptiveness so that we could pick out the Balsam individually then remove them from the hillside. We did a small portion of planting some more meadowsweet before we rapped up for another session. On our way back to the van I asked Chris to text me the names of todays plants. He's a busy man so he wrote them down for me as to prevent his forgetfulness. I also asked him if he could write me a reference for next time as evidence of my time with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. He said that would be fine but to remind him via text a couple of days prior to the next session. I'll be back with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust on Wednesday 11th May. This marks the last blog of this week but if your enjoying them look out for the first of a brand new week next Monday. Until then, this is Alex Ashworth signing off for another positive and enjoyable time working with Chris for Bees, Butterflies and Bikes group.

Good afternoon and welcome another day in Alex's voluntary week. This morning was INTACT day. As you've probably read in previous blogs I volunteer my time fortnightly for INTACT and having been doing so for the past month or so. I arrived right on 9.30am and dressed ready for action to tackle the morning's gardening duties. I signed in at reception and asked if Barry had arrived ( Barry is my tutor and helper at INTACT). Barry was running a little behind so I made my way to the café and waited for Barry whilst enjoying the cafe's top quality coffee. Soon Barry arrived and after I finished my brew I made my way to the back of the INTACT centre where the gardens are, for Barry asked if I could move two pots with tulips in from the front of the centre to the back towards the fence. Following on from two weeks ago, when I planted the radishes and the previous time before that when I planted the onions, Barry showed me their progression and I was quite impressed as to how far they had come on in such a short time. The first task to do was to plant ten sunflower seeds into ten small pots with a small portion of soil in. This involved putting the correct amount of soil in the pot then creating a little insertion into which the seed would lay, then seal it with your hand. This went according to plan until I lost one seed in the wind so ten became nine but Barry reassured me and said it was fine. The next gardening duty to do involved having ten large pots with soil from the beds plus fresh soil mixed in from the bag. Into the ten large pots were French beans three in each then a gentle tap once planted to complete it. I found this both therapeutic and very relaxing. It also taught me how French beans can grow in quite close proximity without being affected. Barry had to go out for a while so he left me to it and everything was fine. Barry returned ten minutes later and asked how I was getting on and nearly completed all ten. Barry asked if I could fill the seed tray with soil, this took place after the brew break. Five minutes later I did a little watering on the French beans and the sunflower seeds I planted earlier. I complete Barry's request before the break and filled up a seed tray with soil then dusted it off with sieve to finish. Our morning was nearly complete but there was one major task that needed to be finalised. If you recall last time I was at INTACT thieves had broken in to the gardens and sabotaged areas such as the greenhouse and the tap. Two weeks later it appears they may have been here again as footprints were found on some of the soil and the gate was left open. The gate being left open got Barry in to thinking it needed more security. With a little help from his assistant ( who could that be?) we set about screwing and placing in some nails and a lock below the handle of the gate. Barry's DIY came to good use and we got the job done successfully. It was approaching 11.30am so my time this morning with INTACT was complete. Barry and I made arrangements regarding the next time I come in which would be May 10th and he assured me that he would let me know if, for any reason he couldn't make it next time then he would make necessary plans for jobs for me to do in the garden. We said our goodbyes and agreed to meet in a fortnight, unless anything drastic changes. It was an excellent morning's work and it beneficial learning from someone who really his way round the garden. This is Alex Ashworth signing off for my time today at INTACT.

Good afternoon and welcome to a brand new week into the voluntary roles Alex Ashworth is taking part in, in and around the North West of Lancashire. This morning I volunteered my time with Preston Parks at Ashton Park. It was a welcome return to the Monday routine as I hadn't seen and worked with Steve Smith ( senior park ranger ) for some time so it was refreshing to continue our work friendship. It was 9.45am and as I made my way up the path towards the pavilion base, Steve greeted me with open arms and encouraged me with the words, " come on Alex". It was good to be back. What shocked Steve the most before we began our litter duties was when I announced I was turning down the biscuits, due in part to a health issue which has prompted me to cut down on sugary things. He even invited me to have the alternative, a banana or a tangerine but I turned them down too because they upset my stomach. Once the dietary requirements were dealt with we made our way outside complete with litter picker, several bin bags and a litter carrier. We were more than ready to tackle the weekends onslaught of litter that scattered the park. We split up and did the work diligently although at times I thought I had lost Steve but we somehow found each other amidst the dog walkers and the weekly joggers in the park. It was coming to 11.25am and we'd nearly reached the end of our litter clearance. We were both in dire need of a brew despite the absence of chocolate biscuits although I think Steve ate my share in the end. " A great way to start your Monday morning, a nice, clean park". I couldn't agree with you more Steve as we had concluded part one of the morning session and were ready for brief break. After our coffee break we had ten minutes left in which to make a start taking some weeds out in an area to the right of the pavilion base. We had a wheelbarrow each and a fork to take out all the unnecessary weeds. By 12noon it was time to go. With the bank holiday Monday taking place next week we were initially going to give next week a break but Steve could sense my eagerness and my keen involvement to help out where I can so we have resolved to meet next week, Monday 2nd May at the same time 10am. It was great to be back working together again and benefit from the camaraderie that shapes our unique work friendship. This is Alex Ashworth signing off for another rewarding and enjoyable day volunteering for Preston Parks.