The idea
This project is being led by local residents & has the support of Lambeth Council & the Mayor’s Capital Clean Up Campaign. The garden aims to:
* Bring the community together
* Create an area of natural beauty, reduce littering & dog fouling
* Increase biodiversity, particularly for bees & birds
* Provide a place for gardening & relaxation for residents without gardens
* Provide space for community gatherings such as street parties
* Provide a space for educational exploration, art installations & play for local children & pupils of Elm Wood
We have received outstanding support & backing from local businesses & residents lending their talents, including:
* Terka Acton, local resident & garden designer
* The country's first Library of Things
* Julie Norburn of Art4Space
* Alleyn Garden Centre
* Elm Wood School
* Vale Street Community Shop
* Pedder Estate Agent
* Topps Tiles, West Dulwich
* Volcano Cafe
* West Norwood Bzz Garage
What we'll deliver
- Enable local school children to create mosaic paving stones to create a path through the garden (with Art4Space)
- Fit a beautiful planter bench to enable people to sit & enjoy the garden
Why it's a great idea
This strip of land is currently an unused local eyesore. It attracts lots of litter & dog poop. Pupils of Elm Wood school pass the land every day & know it only as a place that collects empty beer bottles & other rubbish. Meanwhile, there are many flats in the area which have no gardens or outside access; local schools have limited green spaces; and like many suburban areas, neighbours often don't know each other!
Turning this neglected space into a beautiful community garden will be transformational for the area! Colourful plants & fruit trees will attract birds & bees; local residents will be able to enjoy a momentary escape from city life to relax & enjoy nature; children will have a place to play & learn safely; and we will all be able to come together as a real community to tend the garden, hold small events & even enjoy produce fresh from the ground!
Steps to get it done
- Planting weekend 1 (Sept 2016)
- Planting weekend 2 (Sept 2016)
- Procuring all materials: plants, wood for planters & balance bar, seeds, fruit trees
- Community consultation meeting (June 25th, 2016)
- Executing infrastructure work: leveling, perimeter fencing (Aug 2016)
- Mosaic creation by Art4Space & Elm Wood School (July 2016)
- Official opening ceremony (Oct 2016)
