PICTURES: Worthing's gardening superhero

Almost two months ago, the Herald reported on a grass verge in Shelley Road that had been transformed into a fruit and vegetable plot by an unknown gardening enthusiast.

Read the original story about the mystery gardener here.

But despite speculation as to who has the green fingers that have converted an ordinary grass verge into a make-shift allotment, the person responsible remains a secret.

Since it was spotted, the kerb-side veggie patch has been home to strawberries, green beans and tomatoes, which are now almost fully-grown.

Superhero

Graphic artist and cartoonist James Pearson is the latest person to become inspired by the mystery gardener.

James, of Portland Road, said: "I have created a new superhero based on our home-grown, clandestine horticulturist.

"As a writer and artist, I was immensely impressed with the have-a-go spirit exemplified by the verge veggie patch and wanted to celebrate it in comic book form.

"Mystery Gardner: Agent of the Big Society, is a tongue-in-cheek comic strip based on the exploits of Worthing's nocturnal DIY hero."

In the comic, James' female superhero, who carries a spade and hoe, is the mystery gardener who encourages the town's youngsters to put down their computer games and help transform neglected verges into make-shift allotments.

Page one of comic strip, page two of comic strip.

Spencer Hill, of Langton Road, was also inspired by the mystery gardener and drew his own cartoon about it.

See Spencer's mystery gardener cartoon by clicking here.

A spokesman for West Sussex County Council, which is responsible for pavements and grass verges, said the council did not encourage people to plant things in grass verges because utilities were usually located there, but in this instance the crops would be allowed to stay.

Are you the mystery gardener? Call the newsdesk on 01903 282363.

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