Ty Pen Y Bont

The Ty Penybont Growing Project sits behind a community dementia day care hub in Bridgend, where the garden has been steadily developed over the past two years. It is a growing space with real purpose – producing fresh fruit and vegetables for Baobab Bach’s pantries and kitchen, while also creating a safe, active and enjoyable place for people to spend time outdoors.

The garden includes apple trees and fruit bushes growing along a south-facing wall, as well as a mix of large raised beds, smaller growing beds and accessible raised beds designed for wheelchair users. A large polytunnel allows growing to continue throughout the year, helping to provide more fresh, seasonal produce for local people.

As the project develops, Baobab Bach plans to expand the growing space in a way that reflects the Victorian style of the building. This includes growing heritage varieties of fruit and vegetables, planting areas to encourage pollinators, and creating sensory raised beds for people attending the day care centre to enjoy.

Sustainability is an important part of the project. The garden aims to make use of rainwater collection, natural fertilisers and natural pest control wherever possible. Improvements to the pathways are also planned, helping to make the garden safer and easier to access.

Ty Penybont is more than a productive garden. It is also being shaped as a place for learning, connection and wellbeing. In time, local community groups will be able to visit, get involved and learn more about growing, food production, nature and heritage crafts.