Swindon Allotment and Leisure Garden Association is a club that has sowed the seeds of success.

It’s roots stretch back to the 1960s and the club currently boasts 400 members.

“Over the last couple of years it’s been really encouraging to see more young people join us,” said Sue Stevens, secretary of the club.

“Because gardening is traditionally seen as an older persons pursuit,” she said.

The club holds meetings on the third Thursday of every month at Gorsehill Community Centre between 7pm-9pm.

Guest speakers talk about a range of different topics relating to gardening and horticulture, including about cacti, soil, herbs, gardening for wildlife and Victorian gardens.

Membership of the club costs £5 for a year and also includes the opportunity to take part in day trips to garden themed places such as Kew Gardens and National Trust sites.

SALGA also organises holidays for members, recently visiting Tenby for five days and with plans to go to Kent next.

“We have a wide range of members who all join for different reasons,” added Sue.

“Some like the trips and others are interested in our monthly talks.”

In addition the club run an annual show for members to showcase entries into vegetable, flora, handicraft and baking categories among others.

The Pickards Field Member’s shop off Pinehurst Road is also run by SALGA.

“The shop is the hub of the organisation really,” said Sue.

It offers discounted gardening supplies to members.

Michael Northcott, shop manager and club committee member said: “We’re all about helping people with tips and stuff. It’s a very welcoming place.”

Based at the Pickards Field allotments in Pinehurst, the club operate a community garden here.

Members don’t have to have their own garden to be part of the club.

“Only about 30 per cent of our members have their own garden,” said Michael.

“A lot of our members are quite knowledgeable already about gardens, but you don’t have to be.We’re a place where people can come and talk and have some company,” he said.