The Old Fold Garden was taken over by a group of four Secret Gardeners in 2016.
We aim to provide a peaceful and relaxing haven in the centre of Rawtenstall where anyone can rest a while and enjoy the view. The planting aims to provide colour and interest all year round with a variety of shrubs and perennials.
Overgrown shrubs have been pruned back or moved and new plants that are attractive to pollinators or provide all year round colour have been planted. Perennials that require less attention in times of water shortage, a composting system, water barrels, bird boxes, insect hotels, benches made from recycled plastic and a picnic bench have been added. Log piles, leaf piles and seed heads attract wildlife whilst the compost and leaf mould encourage an increasing worm population.
We hope that through organic gardening whilst creating wildlife habitats that a healthy ecological balance has been achieved. Our resident robin and noisy blackbirds are signs that our efforts are paying off.