Marc West gets down to earth and samples the delights that gardening has to offer urban folk

In the same seven days as the country marked National Allotments Week, here in our county an ever-growing number of enthusiasts highlighted the nation’s love affair with the soil and demonstrated the therapeutic appeal of getting your hands dirty.

In fact, one nine-acre plot in particular is a leading example of the successful reinvention of city land use. As the Florence Park demographic develops, thirty-somethings in flat caps with kids in tow have also unearthed the rare gem that the area’s older residents have cherished for a quarter of a century.

More so, Elder Stubbs Allotments also provide an annual platform for a whole host of community groups to raise valuable funds for their worthy causes. Despite the odd downpour, the festival once again drew the crowds and brought OX4 together in a way that only this event can. Set in the beautiful East Oxford site off Rymers Lane, this celebrated local gathering for local people is always simply magical and has enticed me (for one) back year upon year – ever since I witnessed Lemmy’s former Hawkwind band mate Huw Lloyd-Langton rockin’ out amongst the prize-winning marrows. With over 50 stallholders presenting their homemade wares in this (sub)urban oasis it really is colourful in every sense of the word. And, I’ve no doubt it’s one of the few places you’ll ever visit where belly dancers, martial artists and performance poets rub shoulders amongst giant sunflowers and potting sheds.

Wind your way through the apple orchard and past the impressive driftwood dinosaur sculptures to discover a diverse range of family attractions from willow weaving workshops and contemporary arts to world cuisine and live music from the likes of The Wonder Rabbits, Vicky Rainbow and regular favourite DJ Natty Mark’s Dub Hi-Fi taking us into the sunset.

It’s clear this truly is a unique celebration of a unique community. And, all proceeds go to Cowley-based charity Restore – who offer those with mental health problems help in developing skills, gaining confidence and finding employment.

The organisation also believes that creative expression promotes a healthier life and to honour this notion they’ve organised a showcase of artworks that vividly portrays the journey of recovery - reminding the viewer how far some have travelled. Dark Arts runs for one week only at North Wall Arts Centre in Summertown from September 5.

For all details, visit restore.org.uk.