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The story behind this garden began at London-wide Open Gardens Weekend 2022 where event sponsors London Square were inspired by the volunteers on the Doddington Estate in Battersea, who had created a half-acre community garden using donated trees, shrubs, perennials and edibles – a green oasis tucked between the tower blocks.

Bringing together a community is the thread running through this garden, where people can meet, relax, share food and connect with nature. There’s a welcoming meeting space under a pergola with an outdoor kitchen, a big communal table inset with chess and draughts boards and individually styled upcycled chairs by The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades furniture restorers, with raised beds containing edibles for cooking.

In a peaceful planted area, a large swing seat in dappled shade is an idyllic spot to chat or read a book from the garden bookcase. Scented plants include climbing Trachelospermum jasminoides, rosemary, thyme and salvias, and Erigeron karvinskianus and Mahonia eurybracteata subsp. ganpinensis ‘Soft Caress’ have been chosen for their resilience.

In a loop back to its inception, after the show elements of the London Square Community Garden will be relocated to the Doddington & Rollo Community Roof Garden in Battersea, reflecting London Square’s commitment to promoting green spaces for local communities