Uel, vice‑chairman of the Mariners Court Residents Association, has helped bring neighbours together through a shared love of gardening.

 

A keen gardener himself, Uel arranged for six planters to be installed at Mariners Court for everyone to use. With a strong interest in carpentry, he carefully worked out what was needed, ordered the wood cut to the correct dimensions and, once it was delivered, helped build the planters alongside other neighbours. To make sure everyone could get involved, Uel put up a notice in each block to let people know about the new planters. Those who signed up were allocated a planter to look after and maintain, and all six are now fully in use. So far, neighbours have planted beans, peas, carrots, potatoes, onions and more, with the crops expected to be ready for harvesting by the end of June.

 

Uel also secured a local sponsor for each planter, with sponsors providing materials and plants for the shared gardens. He arranged for hosepipes to be fitted, while Clanmil provided water butts and compost bins. These additions help reduce water use and allow garden and kitchen waste to be turned into natural, chemical‑free fertiliser for the gardens.

 

Uel is keen to stress that the gardens are a true team effort, made possible by everyone living at Mariners Court, with support from Stephen the caretaker. The improvements have helped bring neighbours closer together, something that was recently celebrated with a community barbecue.

 

Looking ahead, Uel plans to enter the planters into this year’s Clanmil in Bloom as a scheme entry, recognising the collective effort and pride shown by the Mariners Court community.