Amber Valley Housing, together with residents and local youngsters, have gathered together to renovate the communal garden area at The Orchard, Horsley Woodhouse. The request came as an outcome from a number of residents meetings and has already proved to be a big hit.
Volunteers from Horsley Woodhouse Primary School worked with local residents and staff to revamp the existing dull, lifeless area into a welcoming, exciting new venture for residents to enjoy.
Since February half term when the work was carried out, the new area has been developed further by the local residents and now the transformation is complete. Runner bean canes, seeds and crops such as strawberries have been planted and decorative trellis has been erected.
The youngsters took on tasks such as constructing a shed / tool store, removing and relocating existing plants and bulbs, moving 4 tons of topsoil, cleaning and painting existing benches and preparing and erecting shuttering. The Dreamschemers got involved with all the activities and developed skills such as team working and carpentry.
The children also worked on their cooking skills, preparing a buffet of homemade sandwiches and cakes which was served to the residents of The Orchard, along with a presentation by the children of their achievements from the week.
As a reward for their hard work, the children joined staff from Amber Valley Housing and previous Dreamschemers on a trip to play Quasar and bowling, followed by a well-earned lunch.
Resident Joan Farmer said: “I am delighted with our new garden, the children along with Victoria and the community development team worked very hard and they were a pleasure to have around for the week. The work that has been carried out has made a real impact on the community. I am looking forward to seeing the garden develop further and to harvest time.”
