Last year, we decided it was time for a fresh start in our polytunnel. The old layout had served us well, but we wanted something that made the most of the space while being kinder to the soil, and to us! So, we redesigned the beds and adopted a “no dig” approach, topping the area with our own home-made compost.

The results have been amazing. The soil structure is improving each season, planting and weeding have become much easier, and best of all, there’s no back-breaking digging involved! It’s been so rewarding to see how much difference a change in method can make.

Over the past year, we’ve experimented with a whole mix of vegetables, from everyday favourites to more adventurous varieties. Tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, French beans, garlic, pumpkins, aubergines, turnips, beetroot, pak choi, spring onions, and lettuce have all had their turn under cover, with plenty of lessons learned along the way.

Now that autumn is here, it’s time for a seasonal reset. We’re busy clearing away the remnants of summer crops, tidying up the beds, and preparing for a new cycle of planting. Our growing plan for next year is already taking shape, we’ll be sticking with the varieties that thrived, while adding in a few new and unusual ones to keep things interesting.

Although the polytunnel looks a little bare while it’s being prepped, there’s still plenty of colour to be found in the vegetable field nearby. Our vibrant rainbow chard is at its peak, glowing with shades of red, yellow, and green,  a real splash of life against the grey November skies.

Many of our pumpkins from this year’s harvest were perfect for cooking, so we were delighted to donate a selection to OneCan and Wycombe Food Hub to help local families. And of course, a few made their way into our own garden events for carving and decoration, one of the carved pumpkins even came straight from our very own field!

With a few pumpkins left over, we’re finding creative ways to use them in the kitchen too. This week we’ll be trying out a delicious Healthy Pumpkin Brownie recipe from Hummusapien, a cosy autumn bake that puts every bit of the harvest to good use. You can find the recipe here: https://www.hummusapien.com/healthy-pumpkin-brownies/

As we move into winter, the polytunnel will rest and rejuvenate, ready for another year of growth. Each season brings something new to learn, and we’re excited to keep nurturing the space, not just for vegetables, but for the community spirit it helps to grow too.

The Children’s Memorial Garden is a place of safety, love, and reflection,  a space where people can connect with nature, one another, and the memories that matter most. No matter the season, the garden remains open for those who need a moment of peace, a warm chat, or simply somewhere to breathe.

Written by Tiffany Evans