Nearly 100 industry folk gathered in mid July to discuss ways of managing volunteers at PlantNetwork’s conference. Garden Organic’s Master Gardener programme was there to swap ideas for recruiting, training, and supporting lovely volunteers. As with Brussels sprouts, there was no consensus. Yet themes did emerge from botanic, historic, and educational organisations for what to [...]

Since May 2010, over 221 volunteers have mentored 1,800 residents to grow their own food – and swapped growing tips with another 15,500 people at events, talks and more. We’re delighted – impressed and proud of every achievement published in our latest reports for the sunny months of March, April and May 2011. Highlights below. [...]

Last Saturday, 24 Master Gardener and Master Composter volunteers came to Ryton Gardens, home of Garden Organic, for a day’s training on how to work with and support schools. This exciting new course was run by two of the Garden Organic’s Food for Life Partnership education team – Ruth Hepworth and Malcolm Smith. The day [...]

Please tell us your best performing varieties and products for the 2012 The Organic Gardening Catalogue. Planning is underway for the next edition of this popular catalogue and Garden Organic are delighted to invite Master Gardeners, mentored households and communities to have their say to help fellow growers next year. We love to have feedback [...]

Over 150 enthusiastic Master Composters and Master Gardeners gathered at Garden Organic’s Ryton Gardens on 15 May 2011 to celebrate achievements and swap ideas. We’re thoroughly delighted by this first joint conference bringing together volunteers from across the county and across Masters programmes. Quotes from folk attending… “Great to work with people that are so [...]