Last month, Biddle and Webb threw their support behind an outdoor auction, for charity, which, to the backdrop of hedgerow, trees and bird song, saw Jeremy Thornton, announcing the auction lots from the deck of a pirate shipwreck. This is the fourth year running that Jeremy has stepped up to support Martineau Gardens, a community garden and charity in Edgbaston. This year’s fundraising garden party event raised over £11,000 – a record amount.

 Jeremy Thornton surveying the lots.

Martineau Gardens is a Community Garden on Priory Road in Edgbaston, close to Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens and Winterbourne House – this long sliver of a garden though largely hidden from the roadside is well worth a visit. There are two and a half acres of organically managed landscape for visitors to explore, including woodland with SLINC status (Site of Local Importance to Nature Conservation), wildflower meadow, demonstration food growing areas, plant sales, bird hide, bee hives, formal gardens with shrubs and trees from around the world and of course,  the shipwreck play area. Vegetables, fruit and plants are sold and the gardens and buildings can be hired for meetings and celebrations.

 A basket of apples picked in the Martineau Gardens’ orchard

 A view of the Vegetable Beds through a summer border at Martineau Gardens

As a Community Garden, volunteer involvement is a vital part of the way the Gardens have developed and are run today. Not only do a team of staff and volunteers work hard in keeping the gardens open six days a week, but the Gardens are a registered charity, providing volunteering opportunities on the Therapeutic Horticulture programme for vulnerable adults with mental health issues and learning disabilities.

The Gardens are an oasis for wildlife, providing a peaceful moment for those who come to visit – for a small donation, volunteers will make you a hot drink and picnics are welcome, why not pop in for a visit?

 A peaceful area on the sun dial lawn at Martineau Gardens

Visitor Information:

Martineau Gardens, 27 Priory Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham  B5 7UG                                   0121 440 7430                                                                                                                                       www. martineau-gardens.org.uk                                                                         info@martineau-gardens.org.uk

Open:  Monday to Saturday 10am – 4pm, except Bank Holidays.

Free entry, except special events

From Sarah Hill-Daniel