Edible Uni

The grounds team took on the challenge of creating a new space that could be enjoyed by staff at the 'Hive' in Main Street.  The brief was fairly short, make better use of an unattractive area, somewhere to get outside, somewhere to sit, somewhere to grow a few vegetables and of course created with the tiniest of budget.

Much of the materials were left over from other projects and the labour resource was topped up by our horticultural apprentices who were able to learn new techniques and gain valuable experience. 

Studies into working in gardens or even just getting outside have been carried out for many years and the positive impact it has on well being was the catalyst for the new garden, it could be of benefit to anyone who might want to use it.

Enjoyable aerobic exercise

Gardening is a great form of aerobic exercise plus, you might become so engrossed in your work that you don’t even realize you’re breaking a sweat. Pulling weeds, reaching for various plants and tools, and twisting and bending as you plant will work new muscles in your body and help with strength, stamina, and flexibility. 

Exposure to vitamin D 

Vitamin D increases your calcium levels, which benefits your bones and immune system. So outdoor activities like gardening are a perfect way to get your sunshine while pursuing a fun hobby. (But don’t forget the sunscreen to protect your skin, and sunglasses for your eyes.)

Mood-boosting benefits

A study in the Netherlands, cited by CNN, suggests that gardening fights stress even better than other hobbies. Participants completed a stressful task and were then told to read inside or go outdoors and garden for 30 minutes. The gardening group reported better moods afterward, and their blood tests showed lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. 

The site

The site had previously been home to a Portakabin and left empty until it's future was known.

The team started by stripping off the old weed growth and leveling the area. 

We used treated timber sleepers to create the raised planting beds which would also create additional sitting areas and improve accessibility to the planting.

Two sleepers high would give adequate planting depth even for a crop of potatoes.



A good layer of compost produced from our own green waste would give the plants the best start in life.



Ready for planting.  

Feedback from the hive has been really positive, 

"The raised beds have transformed an otherwise derelict area of our garden into something much more attractive and productive. The progress (or not!) of our various vegetables has been a talking point in the office and everyone had a chance to take home and enjoy some of the produce.  We filled the beds with left over seeds and plants from our own gardens. Our harvest included potatoes, tomatoes, onions and salad leaves - and our leeks and rainbow chard plants are still going strong.  Cucumbers and climbing beans proved more of a challenge... 

"The undoubted high point of the year was when our onions won third place against stiff competition at Fulford Show! We were all very proud."