Leechwell Gardens – Spring has Sprung…
… and, for old and young alike, there’s no better place to experience the springing in Totnes than the Leechwell Garden. Crocuses, primroses and daffodils are in bloom, birds are singing, people are chatting on the new benches while youngsters play. The community garden, created, managed and enjoyed by the community, is a delight for the whole town.
But extreme weather has taken its toll this winter. Flooding made the garden unsafe as ground turned to mud; a blocked drain caused the upper pool to overflow, flooding down, round and into the sandpit. The lower pool overflowed and gushed along the path behind the Heath Way houses and down the steps at Susie’s Gate. We had to close the garden temporarily, possibly for the first, if not the last, time. Some difficult issues will need to be faced but now we want to look forward to what’s in store in 2026.
new volunteers to the gardening session are always welcome
Just over a year ago, the founding committee of Leechwell Garden handed over to a new management group. Since then, much has happened – the much-loved oak benches have been replaced; hugely successful events have been put on (600 people attended the first Respect Festival held in the gardens); a thriving, volunteer gardening group is meeting every week; the beautiful water sculpture has been repaired and reinstalled; and new bushes and plants are in the offing. March will see the launch of a new website (https://www.leechwellgarden.org.uk/) and the gardening group has begun again, every Tuesday between 12-3pm. Come along, all are welcome; it’s an enjoyable gathering of locals who maintain the garden for all.
As far as the wider management is concerned, there are three aspects to this year:
1) finding new members:- We would welcome two or three new members to our monthly management committee meetings who could lend their expertise and enthusiasm, helping to spread the workload. And new volunteers to the gardening session are always welcome.
2) putting on events:- Our annual Easter Egg hunt is on the 6th April and, we will hold another Respect Festival as part of the Totnes Fringe Festival this year (11th and 12th July) promises stories and performances from around the world including the very popular Agbo Theatre telling their African tales. Watch this space! And…
3) raising funds:- Our gardening group is led by Fi from Parklife CIC. With her extensive knowledge and experience (the Boardwalk on Long Marsh and Totnes Borough Park garden just to mention a few) she leads the enthusiastic team of volunteers. We need to fund this and other maintenance work, repairs and events. If you can help with gardening, management or funding please contact: info@leechwellgarden.org.uk or go to our website support page.