The inspiration for The Little Gardener actually happened eight years before its launch in 2009.
It was the year I moved to London in 2001 to a large shared house in Parsons Green complete with uninviting garden fit for biannual bbq’s, but otherwise largely ignored and essentially a yard for bikes to rust in. In those days smoking was still pretty cool and I would spend hours and hours on the tiny roof terrace outside my bedroom puffing away. I loved my little terrace. It was a tiny square of peace and my sanctuary away from the bustle of the city. Soon I had bought pots, pansies and traily things, which I lavished love and attention on. It was the first thing I looked at when I got up in the morning but especially loved that I could also see flowers from my bed. Even on the gloomiest November day it gave me joy. It struck me, as I gazed at my pots and then the gardens, balconies, terraces, flat roofs, ledges and window sills beyond that were all sandwiched within the neighbouring streets that were visible to hundreds, that most were largely ignored, most definitely uninspiring and very much devoid of life save the odd feral pigeon.
I pondered to myself how wonderful it would be if they were covered in green and colour. I imagined every house and flat adorned with window boxes. Every flat roof draped in sedum or wild flowers. Tubs of herbs, fruit and vegetables spilling over every ledge. Dreary corners transformed with living walls and gardens full of plants and trees reflecting the four seasons.
The potential benefits for everyone’s health and an unfamiliar but hugely exciting feeling of purpose overcame me. Life in the city would be more positive for everyone if I could help create green and luscious sanctuaries for clients to retreat to or look out onto. If I helped clients green up their individual spaces it would significantly improve mental health.
It would benefit residents and nosey neighbours alike and also the insects, birds and animals that share our cities with us. By improving our air, helping nature thrive and giving us all the chance to grow and nurture our own green pockets it would offer calm and peace, a distraction from the world and would undeniably be a wellbeing booster for all.
So The Little Gardener was born.