This community garden in East Sussex has been running for 17 years

According to Lesley Drew, who works at the garden: “'I never knew you were here!' is often the first thing people say as they walk in to our walled garden near the town centre.

“We are run entirely by volunteers, including some with physical disabilities and some with learning difficulties. The space was originally a storage yard for council vehicles, but we now have flowers, veg and wildlife, as well as plants and produce for sale and 2 ponds.”

Within a welcoming walled garden, they grow ornamental plants and vegetables, and sell plants and produce. The garden is as much about community as it is about gardening.

The Volunteers aim to make it a welcoming space for visitors who want to pop in for a chat, advice or just to sit.

Within the garden there are many different areas including flower beds, vegetable plots, a polytunnel, a wildlife pond and a classroom where volunteers share a tea break, either inside or outside depending on the weather.

Regular topics for conversation range from what in the garden has been successful, future planting plans, possible new projects – as well as what is going on in the town.

Founded in 2007, the garden is well-established, and provides a great variety of tasks, for those with and without previous gardening experience and designed with wheelchair access in mind.

The garden is located off East St inside the Crouch Gardens.

Parking is available at the Constitution Club. Collect a parking badge from the Community Garden.