Unseen pictures from the ECCG's archive

As August comes towards an end, we are reminded of many great moments at the garden. Here are some archive pictures of plants, volunteers, visitors and produce from the Spring and Summer of 2019:

(1st May 2019) The fire created by the woodcraft folk, when
they visited to play music at the garden.

(5th May 2019) Some of our
gardeners enjoying hanging
out in the trees after a busy
Sunday.

(7th July 2019) Our shed after Ben kindly
finished its new painting job.

(7th July 2019) Some hover flies enjoying the marigolds
around the vegetable garden.

(14th July 2019) Lots of delicious Summer produce from
the garden.

(28th July 2019) A volunteer standing by
our very impressive sunflower, on a very wet Sunday.

Summer at the Empty Common Community Garden

Some of our indoor tomatoes

Unlike the previous year, it has been a peculiarly cool, damp summer. Unfortunately, these conditions are well-matched for the spread of blight and we have lost all of our outdoor tomatoes. 

In August, it is usually difficult to begin sowing in the early weeks (due to the dryness of the soil). Because of this, we normally wait until later in August before sowing for a quick, last crop.

Here are a few suggestions of things you might want to sow outside by Charlotte:

• Pak choi
• Lamb's lettuce
• Swiss chard
• Spring cabbages
• Radishes
• Peas
• Oriental greens
• Kale
• Overwintering onions.

At the garden, we decided to sow oriental greens, radishes and spinach. If the weather does become dry and hot again, like a usual August, we have to remember to water the seed beds ourselves.

Here are some pictures Nicola and Michela have taken of some of the crops we have harvested in July and August:

 

We are definitely happy to have harvested some delicious, organic produce!

'Thrive' Transition Cambridge workshop at the Empty Common Community Garden

On Saturday the 31st of July, Hilary Cox Condron (in the centre, below) ran a 'Thrive' art workshop (on behalf of Transition Cambridge) at the garden. The workshop focused on exploring how we can 'thrive as a community', particularly how we can meet our needs as well as sustaining natural resources.

We discussed and drew out our visions of a future Cambridge, using the shape of our hands to represent the concept of 'Doughnut Economics'. This economic model focuses on the idea that humanity should be able to meet the needs of all and make sure that everyone has access to life essentials, without compromising the planet and our natural world. Read more about Doughnut Economics here...

Here are some pictures of the group's brilliant artwork:

 

To accompany the art, the page was also filled with words and quotes that relate to what us as individuals hope for Cambridge.

"Change, equality and happiness are connected."

"Shouldn't be exclusive — We should all have access to open space."

"Free bikes, growing gardens, scents."

"I want to live in a city where nothing is privately owned."

"Nature, drinkable river water, solar & wind power."

"Quality human rights, clean air, shared spaces."

"Free busses, bicycle-only areas, childcare."

"All schools should be 'art schools'."

"No food poverty."

"Love our teens (and listen to them)."

The workshop was definitely an amazing experience and everyone is welcome, so we do recommend looking out for any future events.