Can you remember when the garden at Oundle Library used to look like? It’s not that long ago that it was an unloved green space which no-one wanted to use or visit. But look at it now! The transformation has taken a few years and involved hours of hard work by a small group of garden enthusiasts, with financial support from the FOOL Committee. And we couldn’t be more proud of what’s been achieved.
Anyone can visit and use the library garden, whether they belong to the library or not. And now it’s looking so lovely, we’re keen for people to get involved in its upkeep. Could you lend a hand to keep it looking nice?
THAT WAS THEN …
THIS IS NOW
What about the council?
Although the library garden is owned by North Northamptonshire Council they have limited funds for its upkeep and can only pay contractors to do very basic maintenance, like cutting the grass and (very occasionally) cutting the hedges. There’s no budget for anything more, which is why, after the covered patio was constructed in 2021, the FOOL committee stepped in to pay for improvements to the garden.
Front and back
The back-breaking work has been done. Volunteers cleared all the builders’ rubble (and there was a lot of it!), patch-seeded the grass and did some serious weeding as they worked to improve the soil to the point where it would be able to sustain plants.
They also improved the bed at the front of the building and put planters and pots at the entrances to make everything look welcoming. And then FOOL paid for a smart new notice board near the front door which spruced things up a bit more.
The FOOL committee recognises the garden is an ongoing financial commitment and has paid for plants and seeds, the garden tools and equipment needed to get this far … and even for the apple trees to be pruned by professionals. And the money we raise each year will continue to pay for things in the garden as they are needed. This year, for example, we know we need to repair the tool shed.
Reaping the benefits
Oundle Library is so lucky to have its own garden, because quite apart from the fact that gardens are good for the environment and for wildlife, they’re good for people too. Research studies have shown that gardening can help reduce anxiety and improve mood, and that it’s a good way to take some gentle exercise and even lower blood pressure. Being part of a gardening group is also a lovely way to meet new people and cultivate new friendships.
What could you do?
The help the library needs in the garden now isn’t onerous. A bit of weeding. Some dead-heading in the summer. Perhaps watering the pots and raised beds. It’s the sort of stuff you could do for 15-minutes at a time, or spend the morning doing if you preferred. The library would love to get families involved too, so children can enjoy growing things. Could you help?
Remember, the great thing about volunteering is that it’s up to you to decide exactly how much time you want to give, and when you’ll give it. No-one will ever chase you to do more hours than you want, or ask you to give more time than you have available. But whatever you do offer will make such a difference, so please think about giving a hand.
If you think you could spare some time – a few minutes, or a few hours – please ask at the library for more information. When you visit to volunteer a member of staff will always be able to tell you what’s on the latest ‘To Do’ list, so you can choose what you’re able to tackle.
