Climate Resilient Garden: Colossal Progress
Yesterday marked significant progress during what we assumed would simply be our second Climate Resilient Garden (CRG) planning meeting. Building on the momentum from our first session, the team has been diligently researching their chosen areas. The first part of yesterday’s session was dedicated to sharing updates and weaving together insights – a true collaboration in action!
Keyhole Gardening
Our team is buzzing with enthusiasm for this remarkable gardening method! With its roots in the community-based resilience movement during the HIV crisis, keyhole gardening combines practicality with sustainability.
Here’s why it aligns with our brief:
High yield in small spaces
Addresses soil nutrient depletion
Thrives in both flood and drought conditions
The only limitation we identified is its unsuitability for water-hungry plants.
Yesterday, we jumped into action with a plot plan that quickly evolved into something extraordinary. After mapping out the keyhole and discussing required materials, we surveyed our surroundings and used old rocks and bricks – perfect for creating the foundations of our keyhole wall. Even better, we brainstormed and found natural materials to construct the composter at the heart of the keyhole. It felt incredible to make such a strong start!
We are now on the lookout for donations of more large rocks or bricks to complete the wall. Let us know if you can help by emailing Sally We’re happy to collect!
Ola Pots
This simple yet ingenious irrigation method brought the team much joy! Using unglazed terracotta pots sunk into the ground, the dry soil exerts pressure to draw water through the porous terracotta walls, keeping the soil hydrated.
These pots only require refilling every few days, making them perfect for our brief. During the session, we filled the drainage holes with air-dry clay, and the pots are now drying in our polytunnel. Next week, we’ll test them – stay tuned!
Mulching
A recurring theme during our research, mulching offers the dual benefits of moisture retention and soil enrichment. This is firmly on our list, and we’ll revisit it as we develop further plans!
Hay Bale Planting
While innovative, we’ve decided to pause this method for now. It is primarily suited for areas lacking soil, but its heavy water requirements make it less viable for our sustainability-focused approach.
We’d love your support with the following:
Materials: Rocks, bricks, or anything sturdy to help construct our keyhole garden walls.
Expertise: Hugelkultur gardening insights – we’re keen to explore this method as we prepare for our August open day.
Join Us!
The CRG team meets every Monday from 4–6 pm.
If you’d like to be part of this evolving and exciting project, please check out the CRG session pages and email Sally. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, no previous experience necessary. Just bring an open mind, a collaborative spirit, and perhaps some afternoon tea to share. Children are welcome to join the fun, too. This isn’t a polished or rigid session – but it promises to be a hands-on creative and collaborative experience!
Rooted Climate Resilient Garden Updates
At Rooted Community Food, we believe that staying informed is just as important as growing food. Our climate related news posts keep our community updated on allotment sessions, sustainable gardening, local food movements, and important events that shape our shared food-growing experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, our climate resilient garden updates provide practical insights, inspiration, and valuable resources to help you thrive. Every news article is crafted to reflect our mission—supporting sustainable food systems, strengthening community bonds, and empowering individuals through growing.
Rooted Community Food | Nature Therapy Tags | Eastbourne
Rooted Community Food | Sustainable Living Tags | Eastbourne
Why Our Climate Garden News Matters
Food is more than just nourishment—it’s culture, sustainability, and connection. That’s why we use our news section to highlight progress, events, community efforts, and shared knowledge. Regular updates allow us to:
Being surrounded by nature in Spring reduces anxiety, boosts mental clarity, and strengthens social connections. There’s something special about working with soil, nurturing plants, and seeing the results of collective effort. Food feels more meaningful when grown together, shared, and enjoyed within a supportive community.
Celebrate seasonal growing tips that help you maximize your allotment harvest.
Announce new initiatives and funding opportunities that support urban farming projects.
Share inspiring stories from volunteers who make a difference in the community.
Provide expert insights into sustainable growing and gardening techniques in Spring.
Raise awareness about food accessibility and ethical consumption.
With each post, we aim to keep you engaged with Rooted’s journey while offering useful tips, exciting updates, and ways to get involved.
Get Involved & Stay Updated
We want you to be part of our growing movement! Whether you volunteer, donate, or simply follow our journey, your involvement makes an impact.
At Rooted Community Food, our news isn’t just about information—it’s about inspiration, education, and action. Stay connected, stay involved, and let’s grow together!
Join Rooted Today!
Interested in becoming a Rooted volunteer? Want to take part in volunteer gardening or help grow food sustainably? Join our grassroots food movement today by emailing our Project Lead, Sally Ross.
Start growing your own vegetables, engage in our Harvest Hub donations to local food banks and community fridges, and become part of a thriving allotment-to-table community dedicated to making a difference.
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