Derek knows his onions! How one Truro resident is growing community spirit

One of our Truro residents with a passion for gardening has transformed the communal area outside of his home into a lush fruit and vegetable garden, encouraging his neighbours to “take what they need.”

Derek, who grew up on a farm in Cornwall, grows a variety of fruit and veg for his local community, including beetroot, lettuce, onions, mint, red and black currants, gooseberries, spring onions, strawberries, broad beans, carrots, swede, runner beans, parsnips, chard, potatoes, peas, and rhubarb. He also has cherry, apple, and plum trees.

Despite serious health issues, including two major strokes, Derek continues to tend both the communal garden and his own. "There's always something to do, I never stop,” he says. “I love my gardening, it’s what I live for.”

His hard work not only provides fresh produce but also brings his community together. Derek’s neighbours have supported his efforts by clearing brambles, helping to create a new front lawn for another neighbour, and even building Derek a greenhouse. 

Susan, Derek’s neighbour, said: "Derek works so hard and helps us all out. He's such a lovely gentleman. We’ve got a good little community here. Everyone chips in for everybody else."

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