PIXIES SPOTTED IN THE PARK!

Autumn fun in Handsworth Park

Families attending the Handsworth Community Garden Autumn event organised by the Friends of Handsworth Park on Wednesday 25th October had great fun working with natural materials to make beautiful light up “Pixie Gardens”. Participants worked with environmental artist and workshop leader for Handsworth Park Community Garden, Eleanor Hoad.

A vast array of autumnal natural materials were available including red and gold leaves, pine cones, seed heads, semi-precious stones, acorns and rosehips and children arranged these into intricate gardens for small handmade ‘Pixies’ made of felt, pressing the materials into clay on a wooden base and finishing the creations with a sparkly light. Children really worked hard to create their gardens and there were many different designs created.

At dusk, the creations were carried in a procession down to the Boathouse café where delicious hot pumpkin soup was served alongside fresh salad from the community garden. The pixie gardens were placed on a boat, with the surprise addition of a light up Halloween trailer from “Beat the Streets” who happened to be cycling past! The lit up boat was then pushed out onto the lake.

Participant Oonagh Williamson aged 7 said- “I loved making my garden, especially using the sparkly stones and seeing the gardens lit up, floating on the lake.”

Families were also able to enjoy activities with Active Parks including Pumpkin Carving and orienteering.

The community garden is situated at the Holly Road entrance to the park next to the Park Keepers Yard and anyone can get involved in caring for the garden every Friday between 11am-1pm with Eleanor Hoad.