GHA praises concierge Fred Diver for growing high-quality potatoes

Glasgow Housing Association concierge Fred Diver has been praised by tenants for growing potatoes “fit for the gods”.

GHA praises concierge Fred Diver for growing high-quality potatoes

Concierge Fred Driver with tenant Marie Smith

Mr Diver, a concierge at Nitshill Road in Glasgow, planted seed potatoes in old bags for life and plastic bins. The community has just celebrated its first harvest and the potatoes are getting rave reviews.

Mr Diver also helps to look after the gardens, growing flowers from seed.

Tenant Marie Smith, 84, said: “They tasted like food fit for the gods. They were absolutely beautiful. I have never tasted a potato like it.

“The garden is gorgeous. The whole community sit out and enjoy it – it is blooming with flowers at the moment. You would think you stay in the Hilton. I even had my birthday party here last week. The community came along, they brought me a big chocolate cake and prosecco. It was magic.”

Ms Smith, who has lived at Nitshill Road for 15 years, added: “I am very happy here. These flats are gorgeous. We have a hairdresser, a laundry and a family room – we have everything we need.”

In April, Mr Diver asked tenants for old bags for life, and when he received plenty, he sourced soil and seed potatoes, planted them in the bags and left them outside to grow.

He said: “I emptied some bags this week, and to the delight of the tenants, we had a bumper crop! The tenants are raving about how good they taste, and I can use the bags again next year.”

Eilidh Devenney, GHA locality director, added: “GHA is always delighted to support projects where tenants and staff can work together. We have plans for more green projects like this one across the city.

“Growing your own healthy food is sustainable, saves money and provides a great sense of satisfaction. Fred has gone the extra mile to create a wonderful environment, and the feedback from tenants really speaks for itself.

“We’re proud of all our concierges and neighbourhood environmental team who work hard to make sure the shared spaces in our communities are well-kept and can be enjoyed by everyone.”

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