In this episode, Fay meets Luna Amanita, co-director of the Wash House Garden - a groundbreaking community enterprise rejuvenating the land behind the historic Parkhead Wash House. 

The garden, once a local focal point, continues to prioritise community, seamlessly weaving together the well-being of both people and the environment, cultivating enduring connections through community-based food growing. 

Luna discusses the importance of community engagement in deepening the connection with the land. She also talks to Fay about beekeeping and its educational value for the Wash House Garden team and their volunteers.

Join us as we explore their mission to make the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of gardening accessible to all.

Highlights:

1. Introduction to the Wash House Garden
   • Timestamp: 00:00:00 - 00:00:37
   • Luna Amanita describes the Wash House Garden in Parkhead, East Glasgow, noting its diverse volunteer base and the various capacities in which people engage with the space.
2. Historical Significance and Current Use of the Land
   • Timestamp: 00:02:00 - 00:03:35
   • Luna explains the historical background of the land, believed to be the drying ground for the old Parkhead wash house and possibly used for food growing during the war. She discusses the transformation of the space into a market garden.
3. Gardening Practices and Soil Health
   • Timestamp: 00:04:00 - 00:05:17
   • Luna details their ecological gardening practices, emphasising soil health through composting and organic material. She mentions the challenges and labour involved in maintaining the garden.
4. Beekeeping and Education Initiatives
   • Timestamp: 00:13:00 - 00:14:00
   • Luna talks about their beekeeping program, including hive inspections and the educational courses they offer. She shares her personal experience and the responsibilities of managing the bees with her team.
5. Community Engagement and Volunteer Involvement
   • Timestamp: 00:20:10 - 00:21:05
   • Luna discusses the variability in volunteer numbers and the importance of community engagement. She highlights efforts to make the garden more accessible and responsive to the needs and interests of the local community.

Learn more:

• Connect with The Wash House Garden via their website and follow them on Instagram @TheWashHouseGarden
• Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #Is Glasgow Walls Could Talk
• Produced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage Trust
• Sponsored by Tunnock's (tunnock.co.uk)