TVPG was created on the neglected site of a demolished building using www.spacehive.com/tvpg to fundraise. The local community reused scaffold boards & pallets to build planters & raised beds, creating a beautiful garden. It has come through the winter well but lack of water is a significant challenge. There is no water point on site. We fill water butts from neighboring houses but this is not a long-term or environmentally-friendly solution. We also want to continue to connect with the community. Therefore we will: 1.Create a rainwater harvesting & drip irrigation system using recycled materials. 2.Minimize water use by spreading mulch to reduce evaporation & weed growth. Mulch also boosts soil fertility. Veolia makes mulch from reclaimed materials. It’s available from Vale St recycling centre across the road. 3.Connect with the community by using recycled materials to make a book exchange box for book recycling & a notice board to share information on garden events & growing news.

What we'll deliver:

• Create a notice board and book exchange box from recycled materials (£250)
• Involve local community at every stage so we all develop new skills, friendships & awareness of recycling benefits
• Spread c. 700 kilos of Veolia mulch made from reclaimed materials on the existing raised beds (mulch from Veolia)
• Work with reclaimed materials to create a rainwater harvesting system

Why it's a great idea:

The entire local area has supported residents' efforts to create & plant this garden. It came into being through the amazing support & funding of local people, businesses & government. It is now a favourite spot for families, office workers and the elderly. The nearby primary school uses the space to support children’s learning, the local Scout troop has helped with planting, and residents gather each month to maintain the space. The garden is a focal point for an upcoming neighbourhood walk in partnership with other community green spaces & arts groups. The garden has brought together our community in an incredible way. However, without good management of water and other resources, all this work, care and community spirit could be lost. We want to take these steps to protect and reuse scarce resources and make this new space as self-sustaining as possible for the future!

Steps to get it done:

• Create a notice board and book exchange box from recycled materials
• Involve local community at every stage so we all develop new skills, friendships & awareness of recycling benefits
• Spread c. 700 kilos of Veolia mulch made from reclaimed materials on the existing raised beds
• Work with reclaimed materials to create a rainwater harvesting system

The execution of this idea will be led by the TVPG management committee with the tremendous support that we enjoy from the wider local community. Our team brings together a diverse range of skills, including those of a professional garden designer, an architect, an edibles expert, a social media & budgeting whizz and a community engagement liaison. We believe that the garden's existence today is testament to our commitment and ability to make such a project happen. We all care passionately about our community & using the garden to promote inclusivity and appreciation for green spaces in our neighbourhood.