THE legacy of a Northwich horticulturist is set to live on after a 'secret' community garden opened in town.

Brothers Jason and Simon Inwood contacted Transition Northwich during lockdown following the death of their father Rod in February.

He had leased a piece of land from Cheshire West and Chester Council behind his home, in Oak Street, for many years to maintain a beautiful ornamental and kitchen garden.

His sons are now generously offering to continue to pay the lease and have invited Transition Northwich to take over the running of the garden – on the condition it is used as a community asset.

Paul Mathias, trustee at Transition Northwich, said: "We hope to promote the principles of both urban and local food growing, healthy eating, community cohesion and a love of nature.

"We also think it is really important to ensure the garden will be a memorial and dedication to all the hard work and passion of the local resident who was the custodian of the land for so long – the man who created a garden that will hopefully turn out to be a gift to the whole community."

Transition Northwich says the garden will be run on permaculture and organic principles.

Compost making, rainwater-saving seed collection and the inclusion of high-pollinating plants will ensure the garden is beneficial to wildlife and as self-sufficient as possible.

The charity says it will also be a wonderful place to hold small classes, promote creativity and mindfulness, display outdoor artwork and house a tool share or seed swap scheme – and community groups are now being invited to hold activities there.

Coordinator Alison Allum said: "Current Covid-19 guidance has meant many groups have been unable to meet in their usual venues.

"This garden offers a wonderful opportunity for community groups to come back together safely in a beautiful outdoor space.

"Unlike our public parks, the garden offers privacy, spaces for quiet refection and tools and furniture to allow groups to run practical activities such as craft, gardening and fitness."

Transition Northwich is also launching a new gardening club at the site.

'Grow Club' is open to everyone whatever their experience of gardening – with twice weekly sessions to spend time in the garden, share skills and knowledge, and grow vegetables and fruit to share and enjoy.

Member Michelle Parsons added: "We are keen to invite anyone who might like to help out or has any particular interests or ideas to get in touch.

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"We have seen a huge surge in community spirit during the pandemic and we think there will be a lot of people wanting to help create a better 'new normal'. We hope Rod's Secret Garden will become a much loved part of the town."

For more information email transitionnorthwich@gmx.com or register as a member at transitionnorthwich.weebly.com

Details on forthcoming events can be found on the 'Rod's Secret Garden' Facebook page.