ABOUT US

At Grow With Us, we believe in more than just gardening – we believe in community. Our little corner of green in North West Ipswich is a place where people of all backgrounds, abilities, and ages can come together, get stuck in with the soil, and make something beautiful happen.

We’re all about creating a welcoming, safe space where anyone can learn to grow their own food, connect with nature, and meet new people. So whether you're a gardening pro or you wouldn’t know a spade from a trowel, you’ll find a warm and supportive group of people ready to dig in alongside you.

Our garden is volunteer-led, completely free, and brimming with opportunities to get involved. From learning how to grow fresh, chemical-free food to exploring wildlife habitats, there’s something for everyone. We’ve got veggie beds, herbs, flowers, a fruit garden, and even a pond teeming with life – it’s a little haven for both people and wildlife.

We know life can get a bit lonely sometimes, so we’re here to help reduce those feelings of isolation. This is a space to socialise, share skills, and maybe even learn a thing or two about protecting our planet while we’re at it. We also run regular sessions and special events, so there’s always something happening at the garden – from family-friendly activities to group visits of all shapes and sizes.

Fancy joining us? All of our sessions are free and open to the public, but to make sure we’ve got enough space (and a cuppa ready for you), we recommend booking your first visit. So, whether you’re here to grow your first tomato plant, make new mates, or simply enjoy a bit of peace and greenery, you’re always welcome at grow with us.

Come for the gardening, stay for the community.

We came out of the North West Ipswich Big Local Trust

Our roots go back to 2018 when this community garden first blossomed as part of the North West Ipswich Big Local Trust. The Big Local was a ground breaking National Lottery funding programme where 150 communities around England were given a million pounds to spend on their local areas. In North West Ipswich a whole number of local projects and initiatives were supported and developed for local people and our local area including projects for young people.

Grow With Us would become the central project and the most meaningful legacy, but we started small – just one humble allotment plot and a team of three eager volunteers. It didn’t stay small or undeveloped for long though! As nearby plots became available and word got out, the garden grew, along with our community of volunteers and visitors.

The garden’s design has evolved over the years, shaped by the creativity and interests of the people who’ve made it their own. From veggie beds to wildlife areas, every corner of the garden reflects the ideas, passions, and hard work of our community.

Everyone knew that the Big Local would end in 2025 but no one wanted the magic of the community garden to end. It’s been a lifeline for so many – a place to connect, learn, and grow. That’s why, in 2024, our team of volunteers took the leap to establish Grow With Us as an independent charity, ensuring the garden’s future is as bright as its past.