Gardening club
Open to local residents (Lambeth, Southwark and Westminster), the club runs from 1.30 - 4.00 every Friday, except Bank Holidays. We welcome those with or without gardening experience as guidance is given from our trained staff. Tools and gloves are provided along with drinks and biscuits!
What we offer
A valued social activity for those who want to get out and meet people
Help to keep people physically and mentally active
Opportunity to protect and support the varied gardens and green areas
Advice on how to grow plants, fruits and vegetables from seed
The chance to develop wider skills e.g making wildlife habitats, orchard maintenance, managing the pond, making obelisks and seed bombs
We welcome local residents and in particular adults who are dealing with mental health issues who want to improve their well-being and would benefit from the calmness and peace in the park.
“Before Dad died, I was his main carer and I didn’t go out. I lost contact with most of my friends. Coming here is a little oasis of calm.”
What we have achieved
From small beginnings, we have created so much including a wildlife area and pond, apiary, orchard and ornamental beds. Our activities have changed over the years from replacing practical items such as seating, picnic tables and raised beds, to now using the spaces to promote well-being by bringing the community together and involving them in enjoyable activities.
Funding
We are self-funding and finance our activities from a variety of grants, donations and income from our honey and homemade jams and chutneys. Our current funders are the London Borough of Lambeth and the GLA.
Roots and Shoots
We expanded our activities to support the educational needs of the horticultural students at Roots and Shoots who experience barriers to learning, education and employment. Our programme provides wider opportunities to support basics such as team working, interpersonal skills along with practical gardening experience which will build on classroom learning. The students work on dedicated gardens in the park, including the wildlife areas and raised beds in the southern end as well as growing fruit and veg in our “pop-up” allotment just outside the park.
