Mindless vandals damage community garden’s plants, flowers and trees – but brave Hitchin group vows they won’t be beaten

Mindless vandalism at Triangle Garden as a pear tree is broken (Image: Archant)

Members of the Triangle Garden in Ransom’s Recreation Ground were horrified to discover flowers and plants, and a pear tree had been vandalised this morning – only hours after the group hosted its best attended open mornings.

The site – which passionate gardeners spend hours lovingly tending for our community – had volunteers of all ages helping with the planting yesterday.

Project manager Liz McElroy said: “The morning left everyone involved with a good feeling of having worked together towards something positive.

“Imagine how we all felt this morning when I discovered the garden had been vandalised – with plants pulled up, trees snapped off and sweet wrappers strewn around.

“It is so dispiriting to see the love and care that goes into the garden, ruined like this without a thought.”

The Triangle Garden has never been locked or fenced – it’s open to everyone and always will be say Liz – but the community group is appealing to all who use the garden and the Rec to please respect them – and the environment in general.

Liz added: “It makes a huge difference not only to us and our volunteers, but to all the children for whom the garden is a magical place.”

The garden has hosted countless community events which give people a chance to enjoy nature and the great outdoors, as well as the satisfaction of being part of something good as a group.

They also help coordinates autumn apple pressing so people in Hitchin and North Herts can enjoy the chance to enjoy organic apple juice.

The garden’s Vicky Wyer added: “They destroyed pale blue Forget-Me-Nots, snapped branches, broke an artichoke.

“I feel miserable today after such a lovely day yesterday. It’s really dispiriting – but we won’t let it beat us.”

If you would like to learn more about this wonderful community project visit www.trianglegarden.org.