Welcome to Growing Week 2011

We hope that everyone finds something to get involved with the week of the 28^th March to the 2^nd of April.

Get inspired to grow, learn new skills or just get outside to enjoy the spring with workshops, poetry, walks, films and more...

If spring is inspiring you to write a poem, why not enter it into the poetry reading event – deadline 17^th of March (pick up a leaflet from the Patients Council for more information). In the run up to Growing Week the library will have a display of books to get you thinking as well.

If you haven't already booked your advice slot with Tom the Gardener then do so quickly as there are limited spaces and they are filling up fast. Tuesday and Wednesday only.

All throughout the week you can go on the art hunt – discovering old and new art work round the grounds. There will be some art work that is only there for growing week so don't miss it!

Thursday is the high point of the week for the Glasshouses with the market stalls in the morning, picnic lunch and planting in the afternoon – clear your diaries!

A round up of what is happening each day:

Monday

- Spring Walk with the Walkways Project – Take an hour's stroll round the grounds with a guided walk
- Photographic Printing with the sun! Cyanotype workshop with Laura from Artlink

Tuesday

- Edinburgh Community Food fruit and veg stall – special focus on seasonal produce this week – raffle ticket for a hamper with every purchase (announced at the picnic lunch on Thursday)
- Trip with the Hive to Botanic Gardens
- Sowing and Planting with the Royal Edinburgh Community Gardens – Get tips and ideas on planting different seeds and transplanting seedlings
- Hive Music Night – live music and visuals with 'on the wheelbarrow' and 'paper marriage' – a film about bees

Wednesday

- Mrs Plant Pot and the potting trolley – the travelling gardening workshop – let us know if you want her to drop by your ward or office
- Poetry Readings on the theme of growth in association with the Patients Council and created by people in the hospital

Thursday

- Market Place – Come and see displays and talk to people from Bridgend Allotment Community Health Project, Master Composters, Vegware, Edinburgh Community Food, Health and Wellbeing group, Royal Edinburgh Community Gardens . Pick up your bargain herbs from the Growing Spaces stall and enter this years Growing Competition (free seeds to the first people who come along).

- Picnic Lunch – Join us for al fresco dining – Bring your own lunch – teas, coffees and snacks and entertainment provided
- Springtime Planting with Growing Spaces - Mothers day planting and hanging basket workshop in association the Volunteer Centre. Donation towards materials appreciated.

Friday

- Tour of the Royal Edinburgh Community Gardens – take a walk down to the site near the myreside gate, find out what they have been up to and spot some wildlife and wildflowers along the way

- Growing Week Cinema featuring the film 'Grow Your Own' – free popcorn and refreshments. Grow Your Own (2007) is a warm-hearted British comedy with a host of well-known British stars. A refugee family is given a plot to help rehabilitate their traumatized father. At first they are met with suspicion by the men who have worked the gardens for years but eventually they are accepted by their united love of making things grow.

Saturday

Springtime Clear up – come and help us get the Growing Plots ready for spring planting – bring a picnic – refreshments provided

Growing week is organised by the Artlink Growing Spaces project

For more information get in touch with Anne or Alex on 46127 or email growingspaces@functionsuite.com