The grand opening of the Poppy Community Garden in Augusta Park took place at the weekend.

On Saturday, June 11, Rooting for Andover and their trusty team of volunteers unveiled a formerly unloved are aof scrub land close to the Augusta Park Community Centre, which has been transformed in the past past months into a garden for all of the community to enjoy.

The garden boasts raised beds full of delicious fruits and vegetables, a giant bug hotel, a beautiful pond with seating close by and planted areas with lots of colourful and scented plants to attract the wildlife.

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The opening day had free activities for the children where they could make seed bombs and cress heads as well as take part in a fairy hunt around the garden. The plant sale was popular and ‘Turbo Carrot’, Rooting for Andover’s entry into the recent Andover Soapbox Derby made a special appearance for photo opportunities.

The garden was officially opened by Cllr Nick Matthews, who has assisted Rooting for Andover with getting permission to work on the land.

Cllr Matthews said: "It was a fantastic day, the turnout was tremendous. We are all so thankful and proud of the passion and efforts of Rooting for Andover They really have done our community proud. It’s a fantastic garden and I believe a flagship for future local projects. Biodiversity, healthy eating, education on growing our own veg and herbs, with fruit and orchards soon following, with additional enhancement on physical and mental health. A real outdoor community hub.

"Rooting for Andover team really have done our community proud. I’m genuinely delighted.”

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Rooting for Andover chairman, Michael Parker, added: "It was great to see so many local residents coming along to the opening event, lots more will be happening in the garden in the coming months and years."

If you would like to know more about Rooting for Andover or the Poppy Community Garden, you can visit rootingforandover.co.uk, email info@rootingforandover.co.uk or look them up on Facebook or Instagram.

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