Community garden set to bloom this week

A new community wellbeing garden is to be opened in Deptford later this week by The Salvation Army.

The idea comes from Lieutenant Jane and Lieutenant Nick Entwisle, leaders of the church and charity in the area. During the pandemic, the couple explored ways they could respond to people’s needs at the time and if a similar situation arose in the future.

Jane revealed: “God showed us the gift that we already had in our hands - an undeveloped open space that would be needed, relevant and resilient. The garden is a journey through distinct yet complementary spaces, each with an invitation to explore a different sense - touch, taste, smell, sight and sound.”

The garden has something for all ages and physical abilities and Jane stressed it’s a place for people to be alone, be with God and be with others.

She said: “It’s a place where people can reflect, ponder and consider the big questions. We also want it to be somewhere people find restoration and healing.”

Jane and Nick already run Inside Out, a weekly drop-in group, who have played an important role in helping to get the garden ready for opening. Members have been helping to sow seeds, taking cuttings, repotting, watering and dead-heading.

The garden includes comfortable seating while foodbank clients will also be able to access it.

Jane and Nick also run a weekly baby and toddler group who have already been using the new space.

Jane said: “It has been amazing to see how the little ones and their grown-ups have explored and engaged with the garden, touching the plants, putting their hands in the water and getting their hands dirty in the soil doing some planting.  ”

The garden will be opened on Friday 1 July.

The Salvation Army in Deptford holds its Sunday Worship Service at 11am every week.  They feature something for all ages and are lively and interactive.

Refreshments are available before and after the service and all are welcome to attend.