By Iola Shaw
Hollybush Conservation Centre is holding its annual plant sale on Sunday, 31 May from 11am-3.0pm, at the centre by Kirkstall Bridge. It’s open to all!
The plants are grown by volunteers at Hollybush, and much of the work is done by the Hollybush Project (an adults with learning disabilities group).
You will find an excellent range of plants available, be they vegetables, herbs or flowers and small shrubs.
Long-term planning means you will see a wide variety including biennials as well as familiar annuals and perennials plus compost and woodworked garden items. The café will be offering its usual fare and there’ll be fire cooked pizza, too.
Members of the Hollybush Project showed me some of the plants ready for sale, I met them resting mid session during my tour.
Last Friday Hazel Smoczynska, the Community Hub Support Officer, kindly showed me around the centre and there is so much more to it than the café and gardens.
I learned that the full purpose to connect people and green spaces really does benefit both.
The centre offers many different opportunities for people to volunteer and learn in green space here and further afield. There are practical conservation groups going out and about for day events, corporate working groups and activities within the centre learning about planting, maintaining the different gardens or woodworking.
Currently they are recruiting to two groups running in June and July:
Woodland Wellbeing: Each Tuesday from 2 to 30 June 10am to 2.15pm – aimed at people who want to learn a variety of woodland crafts to support their health and wellbeing including plant and tree identification, weaving, bushcraft skills, relaxation and mindfulness techniques, surrounded by nature.
Growing Plants Outside and In: Each Monday from 8 June to 6 July, 10am – 2.15pm, aimed at people with or without gardening experience, who want to learn more about greening their spaces and growing plants. Your space can be as small as a windowsill or table, not a whole garden!
If you are interested in these courses email hollybush@tcv.org.uk. There is a short eligibility and fees check: both courses are designed for people able to use hand tools who may have a health or wellbeing need. As they are free for low/no income applicants the plant sale is one of the ways in which activities like this can be supported.
There are also Walk Leader Training sessions: Friday, 12 June and Friday, 10 July 10am to 4pm. It covers the practicalities behind being a walk leader, whether you want to step up responsibility in a group or plan on setting one up, and gives the opportunity to discuss aspects of the role and ask questions of experienced walk leaders in a supportive environment. Sign up for this is via hollybush@tcv.org.uk.
On my visit I saw how well established and welcoming the centre is, new volunteers can join when they are ready, starting with a tour and informal chat to ensure you are comfortable.
For many it becomes a core part of the rhythm of their week, some it’s a stepping stone to a new purpose or even career. The centre has been running for 45 years, and staff stick around too.
Hazel said there’s a good reason for that. “When you find a job where your first task of the day is to feed the birds it’s hard to beat,” she added.
For more details of any of the activities at or supported by TCV Hollybush, including local transport or parking suggestions nearby (blue badge parking only is available on site) for the plant sale on Sunday go to their website or check out their Facebook group.
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