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Visiting London, I came across a demonstration community garden in St. James Park. The garden has been created to teach people how easy it is to start a garden of their own. The garden is a beautiful and exciting example of how people can garden in small spaces and in urban conditions.
During the second World War, England had a program, like the U.S., that encouraged families to grow their own food. It was called ‘Dig for Victory’. Seventy years later, the National Trust has created a grow-your-own food campaign. It is called ‘Food Glorious Food’ and information can be obtained at http://www.foodgloriousfood.org.uk
The city of London is serious about encouraging people to start their own gardens. They have been creating public vegetable gardens on some of London’s famous landmarks, including Buckingham Palace. Additional information on the community garden food programs can be found at the Big Lunch web site – http://www.thebiglunch.com
Community Garden, London
Community Garden
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Had the opportunity to visit this community garden also and was amazed at the interest shown by Londoners just out to enjoy the park. There’s a little restaurant just south of these gardens called Inn the Park that has great food, some of which actually comes from this garden. Following our London experience we went on to Bath where it seems that every single square inch of available space is dedicated to ‘allotments’ where vegetable and flower gardens flourish. It’s a great system that produces good food and decreases pollution.
Comment by Jeffrey Anderzhon August 3, 2009 @ 3:35 pmJeff is on the mark. Our fellow gardeners across the ‘pond’ have created a fantastic teaching garden to help educate and encourage people to start growing their own fresh produce. The British are very much into gardening and there is a lot to see and enjoy. This includes the historical component of many of the garden throughout Great Britain. One example in the heart of London is the Cloister Garden at Westminster Cathedral. The garden dates back over 1,000 years and is a fine example of a true ‘healing garden’.
Comment by designforgenerations August 5, 2009 @ 9:53 pmExcellent work on this garden article. It makes for an interesting and easy read.
Comment by Gardener March 26, 2010 @ 3:13 am