Our open day was a warm reflection of the time and effort spent by our members to prepare for the day. The grass was cut, plants tall and strong, the garden looked fantastic, the gazebo and microphone were set up, music began playing as people arrived. Our usual African time was brought up to speed by the arrival of the Welcome Walkers from the Kensington hotel and a local Councillor.
Kushinga members all pulled together as more people arrived. Our two barbecues were lit, the bio-char barbecue creating nutritious fertilizer for our soil while cooking lunch. We gave garden tours, sharing knowledge on our herbs and plants, the African Kale and herb spiral were a popular talking point. We engaged with partner supporters – having a photo-shoot with Ryton Organic and learning about other local activities for example the upcoming Bee event at Martineau gardens. Many people came, our neighbours, a local student housing coop, Midlands cooperative members, Bourneville Village Trust representatives, another local Councillor, local people strolling past were drawn in by our signage, and the long standing Selly Oak Methodist Church and NSC the Challenge supporters.
Talks began around 2.30pm, Sarah introduced the day with the little housekeeping – thank you to Hope housing women helped with toilet access at their local house. Then Charles Mjawe stepped up and began speaking about gardening together Saturdays, the importance of understanding the complex lives of those seeking asylum and the value they got from the social engagement and support of others. Felipe Molina continued the discussions with an outline of permaculture, and our way of growing in the garden, as well as the Kushinga ethos of working together and sharing skills from diverse communities. Almamy Taal finished the talks with an overview of wider communities and organisations, particularly focusing on the Hope Housing partnership.
As Almamy was wrapping up the speeches, our local baker, who had come to the garden earlier in the morning to collect potatoes, green leaf vegetables and beans, came back with bread and other curried dishes, this added to the marinated chicken and lamb, salads and burgers served by our garden members.
We were threatened with a little rain, skies cleared as the tarpaulin was tied to the fence, luckily we stayed dry. Taking round a clipboard for new contacts and members who wanted to join the garden we tried to maximise and networking opportunities.
It was a really positive day, making new connections, showing others what we do, and gaining insight into other projects. Big thanks to everybody involved, the small things many people did made the day, thanks too to everybody who took the time to come along and meet us.
