Salvation Army community garden will bring people together

The Salvation Army in Diss is transforming its outdoor space into a vibrant community garden, providing a peaceful sanctuary where local people can gather, grow food and connect with nature.

The garden, which is set to open in Spring 2026, will feature a flower-lined pathway, planters and benches for people to sit and admire the view and a summerhouse. At the far end of the site, there is a vegetable patch where families without gardens can grow their own produce, with children helping by playing, watering and learning about gardening. The project is being led by church members Avril and Kevin Waller.

Major Paula Mark leads The Salvation Army in the town and said she is looking forward to the garden opening.

She said: “This is about more than just gardening. It’s about creating a place where people can come to pause, breathe, and enjoy nature together. The response from the community so far has been overwhelming. Peter and Tom from our short mat bowls club donated all our bedding and perennial plants while two older church members have donated trees. Our main project leader Kevin has spoken to many friends and builder colleagues for items including paving slabs, bark and we have a second-hand shed and a summer house coming.”

The project will complement The Salvation Army’s current community work including its food bank, lunch club, and coffee and charity shop. Produce from the garden will help support these programmes while also being shared with families and individuals in need. It will also involve youth groups and local scouts, who will paint stones with uplifting words and images to decorate the space, encouraging creativity and connection between generations. 

Two trees – an apple tree and a walnut tree – will also be planted as symbols of growth, sustainability and hope for the future.

The Salvation Army is inviting local residents to sponsor a paving slab for £2, volunteer to help with planting, construction or maintenance or donate tools, maintenance or a second-hand shed.

Paula added: “The Salvation Army has always been about meeting people where they are and offering both practical help and spiritual support. This garden will be a place of welcome and peace, where anyone can come and experience friendship, hope and renewal.”

For more information, or to support the project, please contact The Salvation Army in Diss by calling 01379 652 898

For more on The Salvation Army in Diss, go to www.salvationarmy.org.uk/diss