Blooming Lambeth
In summer 2017, IEL’s judges and writer/photographer Elaine Kramer looked at gardens nominated by gardeners, friends and neighbours. Lambeth’s Mayor, Cllr Marcia Cameron, presented 18 of the borough’s best gardens and gardening communities with awards in a ceremony at the recently-reopened Museum of Garden History. Every garden won £100 to invest in growing better next year.
Word from the Council
Lamneth’s Mayor Cllr Marcia Cameron, said:
“Sometimes as a Councillor you hear bad things about Lambeth – but I know so much to be proud of: the busy-ness of Waterloo Station, open-air swimming at the Lido, a working windmill, the Black Cultural Archives. Here we are at the world’s first garden museum – and it’s in Lambeth.
“And something we can be particularly proud of is this – so many community activists growing food, growing communities, all doing something to help Lambeth be a better place.”
Cowley Estate
Annie Gallop lives in a third floor flat on the Cowley Estate. “We used to have a community food farm and nature area but it was forcibly stopped by the Tenant Management Board. Since then my mental health has suffered from not being able to garden. I love wildlife so I planted my small balcony with insect friendly flowers. It’s been amazing with several species of bees including some tiny solitary types. It is also a breeding spot for moths. It makes me so happy to help save the bees and other pollinators.
“I just want to say no matter how small the space you can help save the planet and create a better, greener neighbourhood.”
For more information
- Food growing is getting bigger and bigger on Lambeth estates. It brings communities and generations together and inspires healthy eating. A trained Community Gardener from Urban Growth will help get your project up and running. You’ll have opportunities to get involved in cooking (or cookery lessons) and other food workshops. Please contact gettinginvolved@lambeth.gov.uk
- Incredible Edible Lambeth (IEL) is a network of food growers and activists working to improve our communities. We exist to re-localise the food system in Lambeth so that it nurtures us and strengthens our communities. See a map of what’s growing where and read more about our campaigns on our news pages.
Thank you to photographer Elaine Kramer for the words and pictures on the ‘Blooming Lambeth’ pages.
