Blackstock Triangle Gardeners scheme wins Which? Gardening praise

READERS of a leading consumer magazine have praised an award-winning project that is bringing people together by transforming their front gardens.

Writing in the current edition of Which? Gardening, one correspondent, who said she had been the victim of a mugging, described how reading about the Blackstock Triangle Gardeners scheme had “restored my faith in human nature”.

Last month the magazine devoted a four-page colour photo spread to the green-fingered Finsbury Park residents in an area around Ambler, Plimsoll, Prah, St Thomas’s and Monsell roads who are part of the scheme. Along with flowers and herbs, the residents, who all live within hundreds of yards of bustling Finsbury Park station, come together to produce 12ft runner beans, tomatoes, sweet corn and squash – all cultivated in large grow-bags in front gardens.

Since a report on the scheme in the Tribune last year numbers of households taking part have doubled from 50 to 100.

Residents Naomi Schillinger and Nicolette Jones are the driving force behind the project. Naomi is a professional gardener and can give advice while Nicolette, who runs a Neighbourhood News email, helps spread the word.

Naomi said she was proud that their efforts had won recognition in such a prestigious national magazine. 

“The feedback from readers has been fantastic,” she added. “We often receive enquiries about the Triangle and have gone and given talks in various parts of the country.

“It’s a simple idea. It brightens up front gardens, and provides produce, which saves money. But perhaps most of all, the project has created a wonderful neighbourhood network where people help and talk to each other.”

Even children such as Shola, eight, and his sister Sayo, nine, who attend St John’s primary school in Highbury Vale, have got involved. 

Shola said: “We grow delicious cherry tomatoes and beans in our front garden. It’s good fun.”

To find out more visit www.outofmyshed.co.uk/btg

• The Plimsoll Road street party is being held on Saturday, July 16 from 1pm to 6pm. Residents can enjoy live music, children’s games, a barbecue and a chance to meet the neighbours.

Published: 8th July, 2011
by PETER GRUNER