To help out in our communities, we’ve been working with local heroes to provide equipment and resources which enable them to continue their amazing work.
Our second local hero is Anna, who volunteers at the Church Garden in Lostock Hall, improving the space through gardening and maintaining the upkeep of plants and flowers.
Her journey started four years ago, when she asked Father Joe if she could bring some plants to improve their fading spring display. This soon progressed to Anna volunteering to improve the garden at the back of the presbytery, tidying overgrown plants, propagating, taking cuttings and finding plants for a new border.
Anna managed to gather 250 pots to be planted in the garden, and with the help of one of our E&J Official Veterinarians, Katarina Tothova, she completed this project, with both volunteers giving up their time to make a beautiful space for parishioners and the public to enjoy.
She said:
“It is four years now since placing the first pot outside the front door of the church and the garden is getting more lush, mature, and colourful with a good succession of plants throughout the year.
The narrow path to the garden is not overgrown with lemon balm anymore, but with geraniums and campions which were already self-seeded but needed better positioning. The planters are filled and brightening up an area around the community centre. The borders are pretty much full and establishing nicely. There is also a beautiful Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, which has an eye-catching display of white and blue flowers. The entry to the church is welcoming parishioners and visitors with some pelargoniums.”
To help Anna continue her incredible work, we donated some garden centre vouchers so she can buy more flowers for the garden and continue to make this a relaxing space for everyone to enjoy.
