The Royal Parks is hosting a free Harvest Festival day at its popular Kensington Gardens' Allotment.
On Sunday 30th September between 11.00am and 4.00pm, the public are invited to see the fruits of our endeavours and discover the allotment - a hidden gem in Kensington Gardens that has quickly established itself as apopular park destination.
Following the success of our summer 'Meet the expert' days where members of the public got a master class on pruning tomato plants, experts from The Royal Parks Guild, The Royal Parks alumni society, will be on site to answer any questions about food growing.
Families and children who particularly enjoy seeing the allotment chickens being fed as well as the amazing array of seasonal vegetables, can look forward to a return of the popular petting farm at this year's Harvest event.
With a bit of luck a new brood of baby chicks may also make an appearance in time for Harvest. Abandoned cockerel, Gerald, was discovered in Hyde Park by The Royal Parks' Wildlife Officer and introduced to the females, one of whom is now sitting on a number of eggs.
Ginger Cat, who last year organised some fantastic potato printing and corn dolly making, will be returning with more children's activities alongside the story telling marquee and a display on the allotment's history.
Visitors will be able to see the big dig of the potato crop as well as seasonal vegetables such as lettuce, beetroot and carrots. There will also be a display demonstrating the range of vegetables you can grow at different times in the year, even in a very small space.
The allotment garden, now in its third season and run by ten volunteers, will be giving out lavender bags and sunflower seeds for a donation only, to take home. Donations to the garden will be gratefully received and help to fund essentials like seeds, secateurs and signs to interpret the growing projects in the garden.
So come and join us for a great day out - it's all free!
Toni Assirati, Head of Education & Community Engagement, said:
"The Kensington Gardens' allotment is extremely popular. The chickens are a massive attraction, especially for families and children who come throughout the week to watch the chickens being fed and be inspired by the tiny space in which you can grow everything you need for a superb salad."
About KensingtonGardens and The Royal Parks:
Kensington Gardens' allotment is open all year from10am - 4pm.
Every year millions of Londonersand tourists visit Kensington Gardens, one of the capital's eight Royal Parks. Kensington Palace, the Italian Gardens, Albert Memorial, Peter Pan Statue and the Serpentine Gallery are all located within its 275 acres. Planted with formal avenues of magnificent trees and ornamental flower beds, the Gardens are also home to the popular Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground.
The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James's Park. The Royal Parks also manages Victoria Tower Gardens, Brompton Cemetery, Grosvenor SquareGardens and the gardens of 10, 11 and 12 Downing Street.
For further informationplease visit: www.royalparks.org.uk.
For media enquiries contact:0300 061 2128 or press@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk.
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