It’s been a busy and blooming brilliant summer at Rooting for Andover’s community garden, with families, volunteers and supporters all coming together to make the project thrive. From fun holiday activities to fresh apple juice and national recognition, the garden continues to grow as a hub for the local community.
Holiday Highlights
The Plant, Grow & Learn sessions proved especially popular over the school holidays, with children getting stuck into bug hotel building, windchime making, butterfly spotting and even seed bomb crafting. The activities also tied into the Summer Holiday Challenge, which encouraged children to explore the garden, discover fruit and veg, and invent their own “super bugs”.
Thanks to support from Hubbub, the sessions helped families learn and create while connecting with nature.
Apple Day Success
On 30 August, the garden hosted its first-ever Apple Day. With a generous donation of apples and traditional fruit presses, visitors had the chance to try their hand at making fresh apple juice – discovering in the process just how much hard work pressing can be!
The event was made possible with support from Test Valley Borough Council, who helped bring the idea to life.
Celebrating Volunteers
The garden also hosted a BBQ to thank the dedicated volunteers who are the heartbeat of the project. It was a chance to relax, share food and enjoy the space together, without the usual gloves and wheelbarrows.
Looking Ahead
With summer now behind us, the team is already preparing for a spook-tacular Halloween event. Costumes, pumpkins and plenty of garden ghouls are expected – details will be announced soon.
Excitingly, the garden has also secured £2,684 from The National Lottery to create a new sensory garden near the orchard entrance. Work is already underway and planting will begin in spring.
Award Winning
Adding to the celebrations, Rooting for Andover has been crowned Sovereign Network Group’s Community Garden of the Year 2025. Competing against gardens across the South of England, the team won a trophy and £200 to reinvest, which has already been used for plants and spring bulbs.
Get Involved
The group is also on the lookout for a local artist to help create a mural in the garden. Anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch.
Regular gardening sessions continue on Tuesdays and Saturdays, open to experienced gardeners and beginners alike. Whether you want to dig in, plant, or simply share a cuppa and a chat, everyone is welcome.