Blooming Lambeth
In summer 2017, IEL’s judges and writer/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.”
Tritton Vale Pocket Garden
Built in 2016 on a narrow strip of wasteland, Tritton Vale Pocket Garden is now at the heart of the community, growing food for people and pollinators, and offering everyone a space to appreciate nature in the city.
Garden designer Terka Acton worked with neighbours to create and fund raise for a garden suitable for all ages. Local organisations, businesses and Lambeth Council worked together to create the garden features. Pupils at nearby Elm Wood Primary School designed the garden path of stepping stone mosaics. Sturdy raised planters constructed from recycled wood make a great place to sit and chat with neighbours. There’s a wildflower meadow and fruit, herbs and vegetable crops abound.
Just add water
As Terka comments, “kids constantly detour off the pavement to follow the mosaic stepping stones round, and passers-by often smile or stop for a chat if you’re working in the garden.” The future for the garden is focused on increased involvement and sustainability with plans for installing a rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation system.
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.
- 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.
