A group of children in West London has gone from small beginnings at nursery to transforming front gardens on their road into fertile
food-growing sites. Artist-in-residence Rosie Potter explains.

Appropriately named, Recreation Road, in Southall, West London, is undergoing a transformation thanks to an inspiring creative gardening project. Involved are children and practitioners from Greenfields Children's Centre, together with members of the local community, supported by artists-in-residence - myself and Kirstie Reid of Wimbledon College, University of the Arts London.

The project Veg St UB2 (after the local postcode) began early in March 2014 with artists following the children's interest in planting and growing. The children began by creating their own small market garden at the nursery, enthusiastically growing, mostly from seed, a whole range of organic produce including herbs, beans, strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, garlic, marrows, peppers and aubergines. The plot was so productive that children were keen to share their bounty and their excitement in growing vegetables with our neighbours on Recreation Road.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here