A SECRET garden created in the heart of Northallerton is continuing to grow thanks to a group of volunteers.
After 18 months and 2,500 man hours, the group associated with the Zion United Reformed Church have extended their oasis of peace and greenery behind the county town’s busy High Street.
Work started on The Secret Garden 18 months ago. A wilderness of brambles, nettles and small trees next to the church and behind Holland and Barrett has been cleared and turned into a garden full of vegetables, fruit and flowers.
Agreement was been reached with the landlord of the adjacent plot behind Costa and that is now being transformed as well.
The garden now boasts a series of raised beds, paths, seating, a woodpile for wildlife and a polytunnel for growing soft fruit and tender vegetables.
Richmond MP Rishi Sunak paid a visit to the garden to talk to the volunteers and see the fruits of their labours.
Liz Styan, a leading volunteer, told Mr Sunak that the project had three aims.
She said: “We wanted to create a therapeutic oasis of quietness and greenery just yards from the hustle and bustle of the High Street for anyone to enjoy either by just sitting and being, or by helping us with the gardening in whatever way they feel able. We hope this will be a real haven for wildlife too. We also wanted to use it to produce food to share with others including the Hambleton Foodshare foodbank next door.”
Mr Sunak said he was amazed by what he had heard and seen.
“This is truly wonderful spot in the heart of our county town and yet I am sure many people will not know it is here.
“The volunteers have done a tremendous job and deserve our thanks. It is very good to hear of the support they have had from the church, businesses and other organisations in the area.”
The Secret Garden is open from 2pm every Monday and Thursday afternoon for gardening, but also on Wednesday and Saturday mornings if you just want to come and explore. The volunteer group can be contacted via its facebook page @ntonsecretgarden or via email on ntonsecretgarden@gmail.com.