Southern Housing and partners rolled up their sleeves alongside residents to turn the disused plot into something special, launching it as part of Southern Housing’s 125th anniversary celebrations.
Residents put their stamp on every inch of the garden, from the first sketch to the final flowerbed. Workshops kicked off in January 2025 to capture the community's vision, and by last summer, the garden had gained its centrepiece: a bright 30ft mural splashed with yellow butterflies, dragonflies, flowers and a beaming sun.
Twenty-seven residents turned out for the launch in May, tucking into strawberries and scones, potting up herbs to take home, and gleefully splashing about with the watering cans.
Residents have already started to see the benefits, two mums of children with autism say it's helping their sons come out of their shells. A carer who looks after her housebound mum finally has a spot to catch her breath and meet new faces, and residents who struggle to walk far are chuffed the garden is right on their doorstep, meaning they don’t have to travel far to join in the fun.
