Lord Mayor of Westminster visits Peabody Gardening Club

The Lord Mayor of Westminster recently visited two community projects supported by the Pimlico Million, a resident-led community development organisation funded by the Big Local.

Published: 05/11/2020

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During the visit the Mayor met people involved in Pimlico Free Radio and toured the stunning Peabody gardens, created by members of the Peabody Avenue and Close Garden Club. They discussed the importance of community involvement and the positive impact gardening can have on communities.

About the gardening club

The volunteer gardening club was started several years ago by local residents in the Peabody Avenue and Close estates. The club transforms the green spaces into areas that are inviting to the community, and encourages people to garden and live more sustainable lives by connecting with nature. As well as tropical and colourful planting, the fruiting trees, flowers and bug hotel encourage wildlife and produce fruit and vegetables for the community.

The club, which has over 50 residents, began with the transformation of the Memorial Garden, the local playground and spaces in Peabody Avenue; their work included creating a woodland garden for a 95-year-old tenant. The club also gave out window boxes, seeds and plants to help people make their own areas greener.

With funding from Pimlico Million, the club also planted the Victory and Japanese Gardens, installed raised planting areas around a local bench (above) and put in exotic plants around the entrance to Peabody Avenue.

This year they planted more than 1,500 spring bulbs and they hope that local residents can draw comfort from the gardens in these difficult times.

• You can follow the Peabody Avenue and Close Gardening Club on Facebook here