Battersea community garden inspires winning design at Chelsea Flower Show
Published: Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Community gardeners at a Battersea roof garden are preparing the flower beds for hundreds of show-stopping plants donated from the prize-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden which was inspired by their own space.
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A RHS Gold Medal was awarded to the show garden, which was inspired by their own half-acre garden tucked away on the roof of a former car park in the Doddington and Rollo Estates in Battersea.
After the Flower Show closes, hundreds of different plants, together with a pergola, pizza oven, outdoor bookcase, storage cabinets and even hard landscaping will be transported from the Chelsea garden to their new home in the rooftop garden.
Councillor Simon Hogg, Leader of Wandsworth Council said: “This communal roof garden is a hidden gem right in the heart of Battersea which brings so much happiness to residents as well as all the health benefits of getting outdoors and being active.
“I’d like to thank the local volunteers who help this beautiful community garden to thrive and who will be working hard in their spare time to plant out all these generous donations.”
Top team: Volunteers help to create winning Chelsea show garden
'Big success for whole community'
Malissa Ritchie, Chair of the Roof Garden Volunteer Committee said: "On behalf of all the volunteers here at the Doddington and Rollo Community Garden, we're beyond excited that our community efforts have inspired a gold medal-winning garden.
“So many of our volunteers have helped build the Chelsea garden and spent hours meticulously deadheading flowers and watering plants, so this is a big success for our whole community.
“We're already preparing the beds on our rooftop garden so that we're ready to re-home the new Chelsea plants and put them on show for local residents to enjoy."
New chapter: A garden bookcase for the community garden after the show
During Open Gardens Weekend 2022 the roof garden was visited by London Square and provided the inspiration for garden designers to create the London Square Community Garden for this year’s Chelsea show.
The Gold Medal was awarded in the Sanctuary Gardens category. Designed by James Smith and built by The Landscaping Consultants, gardeners have chosen a selection of fruit and veg ideally suited to a diverse range of African-Caribbean, Asian and European dishes, reflecting the heritage of those who live in the estate.
Inspired: Garden designer James Smith and Jo McDonagh, of London Square, at the winning garden with their RHS Gold Medal
Find out more about the London Square Community Roof Garden on the RHS website
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