Garden Open!

A garden provides an environment that nurtures an individual to grow and connect with what is around them, it is vital for our physical and mental wellbeing. Evident throughout the pandemic, having easily accessible space outdoors was vital to us all.

Earlier this month, we welcomed our residents, staff, our Board of Trustees, YMCA Scotland along with our funders to be a part of the opening of the The Healthy Living Garden. Luckily the rain stayed clear, and the teas and coffees were flowing, as our guests were able to see the transformation of this previously underutilised space and talk with the volunteers, staff, and organisations that made it possible.

The Healthy Living Gardens provides our Auchmuty community with a new space to enjoy and socialise in, with the addition of a new playground, and free outdoor gym. Residents from both the ARCH and Farmhouse can also spend time growing their own food and taking care of the garden. Backed by a wonderful group of volunteers, who tend to the garden every Tuesday and Thursday the space is well maintained year round.

The Healthy Living Garden encompasses many other projects, from our Y-Cycle scheme where residents can borrow a bike, to a workshop in the process of being completed.

Kerry our Y Academy Facilitator, who spearheads The Healthy Living Garden added:

Really pleased to open this space up to the local community and our residents. It is a real community project that would not be possible without Alan (Gardener) and our amazing volunteers. We wish to thank them for all their hard work and dedication.

We would also like to thank our generous funders, and organisations that made the opening of The Healthy Living Garden possible. Without the support of local organisations and businesses, projects like these are impossible to carry out.

• Fife Council, Fife Environment Trust, National Lottery Community Fund, and the Douglas Wood Trust, for the funding to make our plan a reality, and provide Auchmuty with a new community space.
• Growing Auchmuty for the donation of the polytunnel, ensuring we can continue growing a wider variety of food and plants throughout the year, and the knowledge and support along the way.
• Cycling Scotland and St Luke’s Church for supporting our Y Cycle Project, giving us the facility to reduce individuals transport poverty.
• Asda Glenrothes for their continued support and who provided flowers that have blossomed and grown, and items which have made the garden more welcoming.

The YMCA Glenrothes aims to inspire and support people to realise their potential and to improve their well-being. The Healthy Living Garden provides another tool for us to meet those values.

Our garden is expanding our the time and so we are searching for a new crop of volunteers. Whether you are an individual, group or organisation please contact us to see how you can get involved; no experience necessary.