Blooming Lambeth
In summer 2017, IEL’s judges and writer and photographer Elaine Kramer visited 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
Cllr Marcia Cameron, Mayor of Lambeth, 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.”
Coade Court, Paradise Road SW4
Until 2015, the garden space at Coade Court was very much like those of its neighbouring blocks – unloved, uninviting and underused – but, thanks to a little team work from the residents, the space now stands out as a haven of nature and community spirit – ‘Paradise Garden’ is certainly deserving of its name.
This ongoing project has seen families at Coade Court put down roots in their community as they work together to transform the small patch of land into a place to witness seeds and hard work grow into flowers, food and friendships. As well as gardening together, the space is now a regular venue for BBQs and picnics, paddling pools, sandcastles and even fireworks, and whether it’s a shared meal on the picnic bench, a complement from a passers-by, or a quick chat while picking herbs on the way home from work, there can be no doubt that the garden now brings residents together, united by a shared sense of pride.
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.
- Follow the Paradise Garden Group on Facebook
- An exhibition of Blooming Lambeth photos will be on at the Garden Museum until 28 January. See their ‘events’ pages for more details.
Thank you to photographer Elaine Kramer for the words and pictures on the ‘Blooming Lambeth’ pages.
