Celebrating 10 Years of Growing Matters and the Success of Gilmerton House Kitchen Garden Open Day

That the Parliament congratulates Growing Matters, and all of the volunteers involved with Gilmerton House Kitchen Garden near Athelstaneford, on celebrating the garden’s 10th anniversary; notes that a community open day held to mark the occasion raised more than £3,000 to support future developments at the garden; recognises that the event attracted visitors from across the area, who enjoyed locally grown produce, honey from the garden’s beehives, homemade goods, craft activities and community fundraising initiatives; understands that the garden has been transformed over the past decade from a field used for grazing sheep into a thriving and productive community growing space; notes plans to expand growing areas for flowers and vegetables and to enhance facilities, including the garden’s pond and willow-growing projects; commends the dedication and hard work of the volunteers whose efforts have created a welcoming community asset that promotes sustainability, biodiversity, wellbeing and education, and wishes everyone involved with Growing Matters continued success in the years ahead.