About us
It all started with a seed
Our mission is to upskill the community, in the garden and beyond.
Back in 2018, a local gardener known as The Organic Horticulturalist handed us several plants and sprinkled some seeds on our first garden patch, in the front garden of one of our rentals. At the time we didn't know the first thing about plants. That little gesture started a journey into the world of plants and everything they give us.
With a lot of curiosity and countless questions, our knowledge slowly grew. Local residents, and people who travelled from the next city, started asking to learn too. We realised that as adults many of us have lost touch with our roots, literally. That led to the Natural Gardeners Club: a space where children (and adults) could learn to grow fruit and veg.
The idea was simple: if they start young, they'll never have to feel as clueless as we did.
Finding a home
We started out meeting in back gardens. As more people wanted to join, we needed a space that could fit everyone, because it never felt right to turn people away.
In 2023 we were given a community allotment. The soil was contaminated and the plots were covered in brambles taller than us. We cleared them, but realised the land wasn't accessible, and we couldn't call it a community plot while a whole group of people were left out. So, after all that effort, we made the hard decision to leave.
We're now on our third allotment site, making real progress, and despite all the challenges the group keeps growing. The real success stories are the children: a three-year-old telling visiting relatives the Latin names of plants, or a face lighting up at harvesting something they grew themselves.
The concept
One garden, many groups
The London Garden is a place where people can come to learn, grow and connect. Different groups use the space.
Where it all began, and the name many people still know us by.
Muslim-based workshops.
Anyone else who'd like to hire the space or book our workshop leaders. Get in touch.
Our aims
What we're here for
Upskill the community in gardening, carpentry, sewing and other life skills.
People tell us they feel comfortable here. We want to keep it a warm, peaceful space for everyone.
Make workshops accessible to marginalised and under-represented communities, and give young people real roles in the project.
Led by BPOC, open to all
We never set out to label ourselves as BAME or BPOC-led. We even had to look up what BPOC stood for! Our group is led by people from these backgrounds, but it's open to everyone, and most of our members have always been British White. Being out in nature builds connections naturally. There's no room for negative competition here, just shared growth and peace.
Our regular workshops are for women and taught by women, and the garden is alcohol-free. Read how we work with partners and funders.
We'd love you to be part of this growing community. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there's a place for you here.