Inverness community food growing project Holm Grown to celebrate official opening
The transformation of unused land next to an Inverness supermarket into a community garden producing food and flowers will be celebrated on Saturday with its official opening.
It has taken two years and hard work by dedicated volunteers and supporters of all ages to create the Holm Grown space next to the Tesco store in Dores Road.
The garden is now planted with a wide and ever-changing variety of fruit, vegetables, flowers and plants with the produce available to all to harvest, free of charge while raised beds and paths have been designed to be accessible for all abilities.
It will be opened formally by Inverness MP Drew Hendry and Holm Nursery pupil Esme Martin during Saturday's celebrations when all are welcome between 11am and 3pm.
Holm Grown, led by Holm Community Council and run in partnership with Incredible Edible Inverness, was borne out of an idea first suggested in 2020.
Work on the site, which has been let by Highland Council, began in August 2021.
Murray McCheyne, chairman of Holm Community Council, said the project was grateful to all the individuals, trusts and local businesses who had donated either money or their time.
There had been two sources of major funding – the National Lottery Community Fund and Highland Council ward discretionary fund.
"Holm Grown is primarily for all living in the Holm area of Inverness but it widely used by residents and visitors from across Inverness and further afield, too," he said
"One of the key ideas behind the garden is that all are welcome.
"The team of volunteers comes from all ages,abilities and experience in gardening.
"We regularly have young children come along, volunteer, and have a significant number of retired folks, too.
"Coming together to undertake a task, whether that is weeding or watering, painting or planting, harvesting or hoeing, we work alongside each other, enjoying the craic, and getting to know each other."
The majority of items, including spare plants or seeds, are donated. Any donations which cannot be used are made available to others to collect.
Planned next steps include holding "how to" sessions in partnership with similar organisations and seed and plant swaps in spring.
It also aims to build on the involvement it has already established with schools in the area, encouraging the next generation of gardeners.
* Saturday's opening event, which includes food and drink, is free. The formal opening by Mr Hendry and Esme Martin takes place at 1pm.
