About us
We are Glen and Glenis Ragout, originally from Trinidad and Tobago but currently living in England.
We have an allotment (community space for planting) where we are passionate about growing our own vegetables.
Being in the garden transforms us back to being in the Caribbean: the wildlife, bees, butterflies. Amazing!
Gardening has changed our lives - we feel better both physically and mentally. Growing your own food is magical!
We certainly experience joy, peace and happiness connecting with nature.
And of course, the vegetables taste superior to the ones we buy from the supermarket.
However, what we have noticed is the lack of diversity of gardeners we see. We would like to contribute to changing this.
We certainly want to encourage everyone to plant but feel there needs to be some additional inspiration to encourage people like us to enjoy the benefits of gardening.
While Glen looks at gardening from a perspective of getting the best fruits and vegetables. I on the other hand , as a designer, look at the colours, shapes and textures of what the garden has to offer.
We are hoping this combination would encourage you to see gardening through our eyes and motivate you to plant.
I like writing poetry and have therefore expressed the lack of black gardeners we see in poetry.
Where are you? Nature groans.
Why are you not here with me? She pleads.
I have been here waiting patiently.
You were born in lands where black gardeners sowed.
Ate from the hands of those who ploughed the earth.
Who grew food all day, was proud of their trade.
Long lives they lived, the garden their gym.
You drifted away to an eight to four day.
An easier life promised? A better life delivered?
Now food on your plates, not knowing from whence it came.
Please come back to me. The land a blessing to see.
Great food to taste, an improved mental state to gain, a place for exercise and rest. A retreat, at best.
Amazing nature at your feet, Ohhh.... how sweet.
Welcome the young ones in. Teach them of the beauty I can bring.
A space to plant, run and play.
Let them grow with me within.
Tell them I am here when the world becomes too much to bear. A place to balance the life to come.
I will not let them down.
Gardening, a lifestyle, a pleasure.
A world like no other.