“Sowing the seeds of love – a potted history”

It’s all gone to pot in Barnard Castle, County Durham (and not for the first time we’re told!). Customers at one of our Supported Living properties have been getting all green fingered.

Oaklea is all about ensuring our customers get to live as independently as possible and get to do as much as possible for themselves. Kit and Kevin in Barnard Castle have been busy planting and potting so they have an ample supply for their chutneys come the summer. They’ve planted yummy tomato & pepper seeds.

They were supported by their “Lifestyle Co-ordinator” Chris in getting the trays ready and putting the right amount of compost in each.Then the seeds were ready to go in. Finally a splash of water and hey presto! Let the magic begin…..

My mouth is watering already at the thought of what lies ahead – hope they keep the ‘growing pains’ to a minimum!

They’re known as “The Jammers” as they’re well known locally for selling their produce at fetes and fairs (and have even been known to bring such esteemed sought after produce across the Pennines!). The jams and chutneys are sold in aid of Oaklea’s fundraising arm, Wishlist and also reinvested to provide funds for the next crop, jam making equipment etc.Just don’t tell Paddington Bear they don’t as yet do Marmalade……growing Seville Oranges never really took off in the NE!