An ‘unexpected garden’ will grow in Forres this year, thanks to a nationwide collaborative project.
As one of 12 Unexpected Gardens announced for Scotland, Forres will see growing, bringing fun with fungi, sprouting seeds, vertical gardens and living lanes to the town centre – showing that the unlikeliest of places can bloom.
Findhorn Bay Arts (FBA) will grow the Unexpected Garden in Forres this year as part of Dandelion, the Scotland-wide creative growing initiative.
From community window boxes to revitalising the lanes and alleys of Forres High Street, the programme will cultivate local roots and fresh connections among residents, growers, artists, and community groups, culminating in a town centre display and harvest celebration.
FBA will be working with a range of partners to help deliver the Unexpected Garden, which will invite local people to share ideas, make connections and inspire new ways of thinking about growing.
Invitation to residents
Kresanna Aigner, CEO and Creative Director of Findhorn Bay Arts, said: “Forres High Street, like many across the UK, has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This Unexpected Garden is an invitation to residents living and working in the lanes and alleys of the town centre to come together with the wider community to share, learn and grow. It presents an opportunity to strengthen community networks, collaborate with local growing initiatives and experts, and put food growing and creative production into the heart of our community.”
Commissioned by EventScotland and funded via the Scottish Government, Dandelion is Scotland’s contribution to UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, a nationwide programme of creative events and engagement. Driven by the concept of ‘Sow, Grow, Share’ – not just food but ideas, music, scientific knowledge, and community – Dandelion takes a unique approach to growing.
Find out more about the partnership with Dandelion and the Unexpected Garden at the Findhorn Bay Arts website.
Absolutely wonderful 💜🌴