Summer picnics forecast for Weston

The projects were all funded by Decent Neighbourhoods money following requests from local people to brighten up the urban environment.

The new seating area in the community garden between Olso Towers and Havre Towers has been designed to be fully wheelchair accessible. And residents are invited to make sure the outdoor space looks ‘blooming lovely’ by planting up flower beds surrounding the new picnic tables. Expert gardeners from Mayfield Nurseries will be holding a special planting event on Tuesday 7 June when everyone from the local community is invited to roll up their sleeves and get involved. All equipment and plants will be provided, and all ages are encouraged to come along and join in the gardening fun. Simply turn up on the day or get in touch to find out more. 

As well as colourful flowers, vibrant tiled murals are brightening up Weston thanks to a new art installation outside Copenhagen Towers. Requested by locals, the series of murals were inspired by the local landscape and brought to life by talented Southampton artist Anna Vickers. 

Anna also created the well-loved murals dotted around the Holyrood Estate which were also funded by Decent Neighbourhoods money several years ago. Recently, further Decent Neighbourhoods money has been invested on the estate to create a new paved area in one of Holyrood’s community gardens. Designed and installed by the council’s Landscape Team earlier this spring, the eye-catching paving looks good both from ground level and when viewed from the flats above. Further landscaping and a bespoke curved bench will finish off the new garden area ready for the summer holidays.

Weston and Holyrood aren’t the only council neighbourhoods to benefit from community gardens and allotments. Thanks to funding from Decent Neighbourhoods and the National Lottery, and our partnership with Plants for People, residents in Shirley, Sholing, Thornhill and Millbrook have also been supported to develop community gardens in recent years. Mayfield Nurseries runs regular workshops in all these neighbourhoods to help people get the most out of their community garden area and discover the many physical and mental benefits that gardening brings. As a result, lots of tenants across the city are now coming together to grow their own produce and brighten up their local neighbourhood.

For more details about any of the Plants For People community gardening projects and weekly growing workshops across the city look on their website or on Facebook. Please contact Duncan Reade if you would like to attend. No gardening experience is required, and all tools and equipment are provided.