Adopt-a-garden scheme of interest to anyone?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Alison P on April 22, 2009 at 12:43

I've heard about this - really interesting. I don't know how much demand there would be - there must be lots of people in first floor flats without garden access who might be interested, as well as people who'd like more space to grow veggies and can't get an allotment.

Would guess one major issue would be reluctance of absent landlords to allow their tenants to let their gardens be handed over to someone else. But maybe I'm just cynical .. What do others think?

Permalink Reply by Danzigger on April 22, 2009 at 12:52

Another major issue is access: so many London gardens have no access other than through the house, which might make people more reluctant to share their gardens.

Permalink Reply by Hugh on April 22, 2009 at 12:52

Would have loved this when I lived in a 1st floor flat.

Thanks for posting.

Permalink Reply by Liz on April 22, 2009 at 13:20

What about front gardens? Got to beat old mattresses and crazy paving. Maybe fit with Keir's posting on using front gardens for veggies Food up front?

Permalink Reply by Danzigger on April 22, 2009 at 13:31

Front gardens might work - but as Stephen points out front gardens are liable to littering, vandalism, theft etc. which make them less than ideal places for growing food.
But you're right of course: anything but mattresses and crazy paving!

Permalink Reply by sara wajid on April 22, 2009 at 13:43

I wondered about the gardens that have doors onto the H passage and there are a few semi-detached or end of terraces on my road that have side doors into the back garden.

Do people think there are many people with gardens they would want tending? of the folk i know in the area with gardens most make good use of them but one is too busy but doesn't have public access. I'm thinking if I could find five people with suitable gardens up for it that might be worth the council doing a pilot...

I'm going to try my own neighbour, although she doesn't have public access our other neighbour would let us access it from her garden... but i'm not holding my breath...

Permalink Reply by Liz on April 22, 2009 at 13:52

A bit of trellis / hedge to protect the front as was more common in the past (as you can see behind these delightful boys would be a first guard against litter.

I know theft might be a problem but does the modern thief recognise a bit of rocket, some carrot tops or a spud top if its not wrapped in cellophane and polystyrene?

You could try window boxes attached to sills (which are also a good burglar deterrent) and planting your stuff in not very attractive containers.


And this same local gardener has pots on the back steps (very accessible if you wanted to get at them)


I've found people are more likely to pick your flowers/herbs to be honest but generally I think people should give it a go...ever tried carrying a grow bag? - doubt the chicken eaters and lager swillers would be bothered.

Permalink Reply by Alison P on April 22, 2009 at 14:24

Or plant things in the massive bags mentioned in this other post ... Not even Geoff Cape could walk off with one of them (or am I just showing my age!). You could even use these in concreted front gardens ...

Permalink Reply by Danzigger on April 22, 2009 at 14:41

Maybe I'm a cynic, but it sometimes seems that the more effort you put into making something look nice, the more likely it is that some yob will smash it/pinch it/chuck a beer can at it.
But, sorry! I shouldn't be putting people off! Definitely worth a go.

Permalink Reply by Liz on April 22, 2009 at 14:50

But that's what we're saying, don't make it look too nice just nice enough. Don't spend hundreds of pounds on pots, wrap tape round ordinary plastic ones and let the kids paint them.

I also think that yobs prefer gardens with rubbish in to dispose of their cans, if my road is anything to go by.

I'm having a go at some of these things at the moment and so far no increase in any of the above, apart from the odd granny leaning over and stealing handfuls of mint while her embarrassed grandkids try and guide her away.

Permalink Reply by Liz on April 22, 2009 at 15:54

I agree with Tom, Ben.

We eat stuff from the front garden, mostly herbs at the moment but have got a little pot of rocket and a little strawberry plant as well which I fully intend to eat. I figure that I breathe nasty fumes (down on Green Lanes) and probably eat a lot worse i.e. additives than anything that might affect my little front garden crop and as Tom says, you control the growing process + zero food miles!

Permalink Reply by sara wajid on April 22, 2009 at 16:25

uncanny - i've been at homebase while this discussion bloomed (apols)...buying a window box and tomato plants ...

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