Planting the seeds of success at Cameron Court

The once ugly concrete plot is now blooming with flowers and shady spots to sit thanks to the hard work of the local residents’ Gardening Club who championed the idea of creating a community space for all to enjoy.

Cameron Court resident and keen gardener Barbara said she wanted to see the abandoned drying area put to better use so she contacted housing staff to enquire about transforming it into a community garden. Supported by the Decent Neighbourhoods programme, local residents worked with a Landscape Architect to develop designs and then applied for a £10,000 grant from the Travis Perkins Social Value Fund. Local Neighbourhood Wardens also lent a hand to create the garden which includes raised beds, benches, a shed and new washing lines. 

“It has taken a few years of planning and applying for grants but now the garden is finished it is fantastic” says Barbara. “It provides a space for us keen gardeners to enjoy getting our hands dirty, as well as somewhere for neighbours to sit out and enjoy the fresh air. Lots of people have commented on how beautiful it looks, and the wild flowers will help to attract birds, bees and other wildlife. All residents from the block can use the space and when the weather gets warmer we’re looking forward to organising coffee mornings and barbecues to bring neighbours together.”

Members of the gardening club have been busy fundraising to pay for more plants and equipment. After the spring daffodils have gone, they will soon be planting summer flowering plants such as roses, some of which have been donated in memory of loved ones. The club also look after a vegetable patch at the Court and regularly share their surplus produce with other residents.

Inspired?

If the achievements of Barbara and her neighbours at Cameron Court have inspired you to improve your local area, please get in touch to see if Decent Neighbourhoods funding could be used to transform an unused drying area or neglected spot into a community garden.