Perfect place to enjoy summer sun in Sholing

The outdoor area – which was once an unused piece of ground at the flats – has been transformed into a colourful, welcoming garden that includes a drying area with washing lines and non-slip decking, an attractive seating area shaded by a large wooden pergola, artificial grass and an area for tenants’ sheds.

The project has been masterminded by local Neighbourhood Warden Carol Wilson, with support from the Local Housing Office and residents themselves. The garden design and most of the work was carried out by local Neighbourhood Warden Ray Ball, and Carol has worked with tenants to develop the garden area into a useful space for the local community to enjoy. There are plans for a ramp to be installed to enable tenants with mobility issues to enjoy the garden as well, and funding from Decent Neighbourhoods has been awarded to install new storeroom cupboard doors.

Local tenant and block rep Jo Lippett says the garden is already making a big difference to the quality of life for residents. “As we all live in flats, we don’t have any quality outdoor space of our own to enjoy, so the creation of the community garden is just wonderful,” Jo told us. “It’s given us a space to dry our laundry and somewhere we can all get together outdoors and enjoy having a go at gardening or just sitting under the pergola for a chat. It’s really brightened up the block and I’d like to say thank you to Carol for all her hard work in making it happen.”

The new garden at North East Road is just the latest community garden to take shape in a council neighbourhood. Our team of Neighbourhood Wardens have supported residents across the city to transform their outdoor spaces into garden areas, and many have received funding from Decent Neighbourhoods to buy equipment and furniture. As a result, lots of tenant-led community gardening groups have flourished. Please get in touch if you would like to find out if there is a gardening club near you.