The Community Garden’s journey
We’re growing something amazing together around the grounds of the Methodist Church on Minstead Gardens, which sits at the heart of one of the largest housing estates in London. Learn about our story here
Community Garden up and coming events…
We are looking for help from local residents. Everyone is welcomed and no experience needed, just enthusiasm to help your local food growing garden thrive
Join us at one of our Community Garden Panel Sessions
🌿 Upcoming Garden Sessions
🌞 Thursday 18 June, 10:00–11:30am (AM)
🔜 Topic: Garden Handbook creating
📍 Venue: Alton Arts Hub, 6 Portswood Place, SW15 4ED
✨ Do you want to be part of planning and designing this amazing space?
Please RSVP
📧 preya.chauhan@ourroehampton.org
📞 07544 591079
Let’s create a space that brings people together and celebrates nature.
Join us and help grow something beautiful!
The Community Garden Gallery
Meeting Jean who has donated our first set of seeds, Thank you!
Talking about where things may go in the community garden
A shot taken at our community consultation on November 2025
Our first garden panel meeting!
Notes from our community meeting - what do people want?
Capturing bird song on the site
how excited people feel about the garden, a little dot survey
Meeting with Deacon Kathy and Rev Geoffrey, working in the sun and rain gifted us with a rainbow!
Evidence of a type of insect using the leaf for sustenance on the grounds of the garden
We have our map and the panel are imagining where things could go
Sharing our wish list for garden equipment
Panel meeting number 2- thinking about how we want to work together, what would our garden charter look like?
Meeting Les, our biodiversity expert who is helping us survey the community garden, getting baselines before we break ground.
Evening panel meeting number, dreaming the community garden into reality
Thinking about how to work together peacefully
Making sure we are thinking about how we communicate- clear signage is vital
listening to each others ideas and considerations for the space
Taking time to think about what our community needs
Looking at representation in our plan
This image shows the wish list for the garden and ideas around governance
Looking to ensure the project is cross generational as requested by the community
talking about where we could put water-containers to capture rainwater, and where the compost area could live
More details on our map of the land, positioning and repositioning
Meeting up with the SW15 Networking and Green Team to talk about the community garden
Panel meeting number 3 talking about governance and more
Talking about a rain garden with Nick Oliver our blue space expert theCommunity Action Manager – Richmond WWT London Wetland Centre
Including creatures great and small in our planning and design meetings
Talking about polytunnel placement and compost areas
Deepening conversations round governance
Evening and day time meetings to ensure most people can be involved
Two women sitting at a table engaged in a discussion. The table has papers, sticky notes, pens, a water bottle, a bowl of popcorn, a mug, and reading glasses. The background shows a room with stacked chairs, posters, and a window.
learning from other local community gardens
working to think about accessibility
More thoughts on governance - image of post it notes on a flip chart paper
Our Panel 5th meeting, we were talking about many things including a community event ' the big dig' to prepare the space for our storage container and our polytunnel.
thinking ahead to workshops and events we would love to see in the garden
The impact of wellbeing on gardening is well documented. We joined in to the Embracing self care event and spoke about opportunities to get involved the garden.
Here comes the sun, thinking about placement of the polytunnel. image shows a map with a circle to highlight what part of the garden will get sunshine.
We have some great help from the Roehampton Club who are sharing their expert gardeners Ciara, Steve and Toby. Here are some notes from the gardening team!
Nick measuring up for rainwater collection butts
Updating Chantelle from the community Kitchen about our plans with the garden. What a wonderful organisation for the local residents to have access to!
Slab donations from our panel member's mums garden!
A new location for our storage container?
We are discussing names for the garden and project milestones we need to plan for.
Meeting with the community shed
Our meeting with Vicki Cook a Commuity and kitchen gardener
Walking through our plan with the Community Shed group
thinking about our design and feel for the garden
Thanks to CJ for looking at our plans and sharing some garden name ideas with us
Root inspiration for community gardens and green spaces in urban settings
Our Roehampton staff visit to the community garden. We are planning a family picnic and craft session as part of Roehampton Community Weeks on the 12th of August. Save the date — more info to follow.
Thank you to our funders the Wimbledon Foundation and the MP Fleur Anderson for all your support in helping the community have a voice, and begin to create the community garden.
Measuring out where the planters will go with Vicki Cooke our community kitchen gardener, and our panel members.
Looking and shifting items on our timeline, What is realistic, and what is a priority?
Our four planters are plotted as night falls
Fleshing out our plan with measurements, getting briefs ready for our build.
Thank you to Roehampton Club for the tool donation!
prep work for the polytunnel, we will need to level some ground
Panel meeting with biodiversity expert Les and resident on the grounds of the garden John.
plotting the compost area and poly tunnel
Delivery of our water butts, thank you Community Blue Scapes for the kind donation towards our rain water conservation.
)ur Biodiversity session with Les Evens - Hill
What kind of hover fly is this?
Debrief after the biodiversity surveying- 'I feel so relaxed after that!' its lovely 'to lose yourself in nature'
Showing Pat Ingram around the garden with a view to get local young people involved
A Map of where our water butts will go
Nick Oliver talking to the over 60's group about the raingarden
Maureen kindly saving us seeds for the garden
This is Ciara from Roehampton club with Heka the emotional support dog for one of our panel members.
Community consultation has been at the heart of the gardens growth
Our Community Garden meeting on 6 November 2025 was a hit!
We had an amazing consultation with 37 residents and community leaders about the new Community Garden at the Methodist Church at Minstead Gardens!
Read the outcome reports from the community consultation below
What we want for the garden…
· The garden built a true sense of community · Intergenerational projects strengthening bonds between generations · A planting plan is needed over the next few years that includes a wide variety of vegetables fruits salads nuts herbs flowers trees etc. · This table green space, that is welcoming and warm, open to all where we have pride in our garden · a place where people feel welcomed whatever their abilities or contributions they can make · people feel optimistic and hopeful about their homes and futures because people genuinely care · Roehampton to become an example of balance between nature and city · mini gardens everywhere
· The garden built a true sense of community · Intergenerational projects strengthening bonds between generations · A planting plan is needed over the next few years that includes a wide variety of vegetables fruits salads nuts herbs flowers trees etc. · This table green space, that is welcoming and warm, open to all where we have pride in our garden · a place where people feel welcomed whatever their abilities or contributions they can make · people feel optimistic and hopeful about their homes and futures because people genuinely care · Roehampton to become an example of balance between nature and city · mini gardens everywhere
· Map an initial design getting lots of community input, start small but think big and long term · seasonal planting for all year colour · grow edibles to use locally and to sell · think about water, security, storage, raised beds for easy access, bees, composting, shade/cover, seating and paths through the garden · Work with young people · design the garden with and four people with special needs · intergenerational activities · suitable activities for people without their own gardens · engage local St drinkers if possible · partners - use all the local expertise resource is and offers of help to make the garden amazing · recycle and reuse
· Map an initial design getting lots of community input, start small but think big and long term · seasonal planting for all year colour · grow edibles to use locally and to sell · think about water, security, storage, raised beds for easy access, bees, composting, shade/cover, seating and paths through the garden · Work with young people · design the garden with and four people with special needs · intergenerational activities · suitable activities for people without their own gardens · engage local St drinkers if possible · partners - use all the local expertise resource is and offers of help to make the garden amazing · recycle and reuse
· Inclusivity · Respect · clear communication · cross generational work · kindness · sharing
· Inclusivity · Respect · clear communication · cross generational work · kindness · sharing
What the community would like to grow
Trees, Shrubs & Fruit (incl. edible shrubs) Prunus (Cherry plum) Apple (trees) Pear (trees) Edible cherries Blueberries Raspberries Bay (Laurus nobilis) — culinary leaves, shrub/tree Acers (small varieties) Hawthorn Buckthorn Dogwood Daphne Berry plants (general) Native hedging (general) 🥕 Vegetables & Salads Carrot Lettuce / Salads Onion Garlic Ginger (if suitable – best under cover) Radish (incl. white radish/daikon) Spring onions Tomatoes Pumpkin Kale Runner beans Sprouts (Brussels sprouts) Broccoli ⚠️ Unclear: “ask bar peas” (Possibly asparagus pea or sugar snap peas?) 🌿 Culinary & Fragrant Herbs Rosemary Thyme (incl. creeping thyme for ground cover) Oregano Parsley Coriander Mint Basil Bay (culinary leaves—listed above under shrubs/trees) Curry leaves (indoors/greenhouse in UK) Lavender 🌼 Flowers, Pollinators & Meadows Wildflower meadow / Wildflower mix Salvia Roses Calendula Heathers Bulbs (general: e.g., crocus, allium, narcissus, etc.) Flowers for pollinators (general)
Trees, Shrubs & Fruit (incl. edible shrubs) Prunus (Cherry plum) Apple (trees) Pear (trees) Edible cherries Blueberries Raspberries Bay (Laurus nobilis) — culinary leaves, shrub/tree Acers (small varieties) Hawthorn Buckthorn Dogwood Daphne Berry plants (general) Native hedging (general) 🥕 Vegetables & Salads Carrot Lettuce / Salads Onion Garlic Ginger (if suitable – best under cover) Radish (incl. white radish/daikon) Spring onions Tomatoes Pumpkin Kale Runner beans Sprouts (Brussels sprouts) Broccoli ⚠️ Unclear: “ask bar peas” (Possibly asparagus pea or sugar snap peas?) 🌿 Culinary & Fragrant Herbs Rosemary Thyme (incl. creeping thyme for ground cover) Oregano Parsley Coriander Mint Basil Bay (culinary leaves—listed above under shrubs/trees) Curry leaves (indoors/greenhouse in UK) Lavender 🌼 Flowers, Pollinators & Meadows Wildflower meadow / Wildflower mix Salvia Roses Calendula Heathers Bulbs (general: e.g., crocus, allium, narcissus, etc.) Flowers for pollinators (general) 🌱 Groundcover, Climbers & Structures Ground cover between beds (e.g., creeping thyme, chamomile, low clovers) Climbing edibles (e.g., beans, squash, cucamelon—tbc) Climbing plants (general) Willow structures (for living tunnels/edges) 👃 Sensory, Drought-Tolerant & Year-Round Interest (themes) Plants for the senses (smell, sound, feel) Drought tolerant (theme) Structural planting for year‑round interest Butterfly‑attracting plants (pollinator theme) Planting for pollinators (native where possible) Fast‑growing plants for children (theme) 🌡️ Growing Spaces Two sections: greenhouse for seeds and greenhouse for growing on 🧰 Supplies & Materials Organic, pesticide‑free approach Seeds for all plants (esp. edibles) Plant support sticks & rope Pots Seed trays Vermiculite Seed compost Seeds for pollinators Protection for seedlings from winter frost (e.g., fleece, cloches) Tomato feed / general plant feed Seeds and bulbs (noted twice) Donation: flower seeds from Jean
〰️
Trees, Shrubs & Fruit (incl. edible shrubs) Prunus (Cherry plum) Apple (trees) Pear (trees) Edible cherries Blueberries Raspberries Bay (Laurus nobilis) — culinary leaves, shrub/tree Acers (small varieties) Hawthorn Buckthorn Dogwood Daphne Berry plants (general) Native hedging (general) 🥕 Vegetables & Salads Carrot Lettuce / Salads Onion Garlic Ginger (if suitable – best under cover) Radish (incl. white radish/daikon) Spring onions Tomatoes Pumpkin Kale Runner beans Sprouts (Brussels sprouts) Broccoli ⚠️ Unclear: “ask bar peas” (Possibly asparagus pea or sugar snap peas?) 🌿 Culinary & Fragrant Herbs Rosemary Thyme (incl. creeping thyme for ground cover) Oregano Parsley Coriander Mint Basil Bay (culinary leaves—listed above under shrubs/trees) Curry leaves (indoors/greenhouse in UK) Lavender 🌼 Flowers, Pollinators & Meadows Wildflower meadow / Wildflower mix Salvia Roses Calendula Heathers Bulbs (general: e.g., crocus, allium, narcissus, etc.) Flowers for pollinators (general) Trees, Shrubs & Fruit (incl. edible shrubs) Prunus (Cherry plum) Apple (trees) Pear (trees) Edible cherries Blueberries Raspberries Bay (Laurus nobilis) — culinary leaves, shrub/tree Acers (small varieties) Hawthorn Buckthorn Dogwood Daphne Berry plants (general) Native hedging (general) 🥕 Vegetables & Salads Carrot Lettuce / Salads Onion Garlic Ginger (if suitable – best under cover) Radish (incl. white radish/daikon) Spring onions Tomatoes Pumpkin Kale Runner beans Sprouts (Brussels sprouts) Broccoli ⚠️ Unclear: “ask bar peas” (Possibly asparagus pea or sugar snap peas?) 🌿 Culinary & Fragrant Herbs Rosemary Thyme (incl. creeping thyme for ground cover) Oregano Parsley Coriander Mint Basil Bay (culinary leaves—listed above under shrubs/trees) Curry leaves (indoors/greenhouse in UK) Lavender 🌼 Flowers, Pollinators & Meadows Wildflower meadow / Wildflower mix Salvia Roses Calendula Heathers Bulbs (general: e.g., crocus, allium, narcissus, etc.) Flowers for pollinators (general) 🌱 Groundcover, Climbers & Structures Ground cover between beds (e.g., creeping thyme, chamomile, low clovers) Climbing edibles (e.g., beans, squash, cucamelon—tbc) Climbing plants (general) Willow structures (for living tunnels/edges) 👃 Sensory, Drought-Tolerant & Year-Round Interest (themes) Plants for the senses (smell, sound, feel) Drought tolerant (theme) Structural planting for year‑round interest Butterfly‑attracting plants (pollinator theme) Planting for pollinators (native where possible) Fast‑growing plants for children (theme) 🌡️ Growing Spaces Two sections: greenhouse for seeds and greenhouse for growing on 🧰 Supplies & Materials Organic, pesticide‑free approach Seeds for all plants (esp. edibles) Plant support sticks & rope Pots Seed trays Vermiculite Seed compost Seeds for pollinators Protection for seedlings from winter frost (e.g., fleece, cloches) Tomato feed / general plant feed Seeds and bulbs (noted twice) Donation: flower seeds from Jean 〰️
🌱 Groundcover, Climbers & Structures Ground cover between beds (e.g., creeping thyme, chamomile, low clovers) Climbing edibles (e.g., beans, squash, cucamelon—tbc) Climbing plants (general) Willow structures (for living tunnels/edges) 👃 Sensory, Drought-Tolerant & Year-Round Interest (themes) Plants for the senses (smell, sound, feel) Drought tolerant (theme) Structural planting for year‑round interest Butterfly‑attracting plants (pollinator theme) Planting for pollinators (native where possible) Fast‑growing plants for children (theme) 🌡️ Growing Spaces Two sections: greenhouse for seeds and greenhouse for growing on 🧰 Supplies & Materials Organic, pesticide‑free approach Seeds for all plants (esp. edibles) Plant support sticks & rope Pots Seed trays Vermiculite Seed compost Seeds for pollinators Protection for seedlings from winter frost (e.g., fleece, cloches) Tomato feed / general plant feed Seeds and bulbs (noted twice) Donation: flower seeds from Jean
〰️
🌱 Groundcover, Climbers & Structures Ground cover between beds (e.g., creeping thyme, chamomile, low clovers) Climbing edibles (e.g., beans, squash, cucamelon—tbc) Climbing plants (general) Willow structures (for living tunnels/edges) 👃 Sensory, Drought-Tolerant & Year-Round Interest (themes) Plants for the senses (smell, sound, feel) Drought tolerant (theme) Structural planting for year‑round interest Butterfly‑attracting plants (pollinator theme) Planting for pollinators (native where possible) Fast‑growing plants for children (theme) 🌡️ Growing Spaces Two sections: greenhouse for seeds and greenhouse for growing on 🧰 Supplies & Materials Organic, pesticide‑free approach Seeds for all plants (esp. edibles) Plant support sticks & rope Pots Seed trays Vermiculite Seed compost Seeds for pollinators Protection for seedlings from winter frost (e.g., fleece, cloches) Tomato feed / general plant feed Seeds and bulbs (noted twice) Donation: flower seeds from Jean 〰️
