Eco-Garden

The back garden at our centre in Toxteth was always a large space with loads of potential, but never really inspired anyone. At times it was overgrown and a little sad, however it was a blank canvas that could be transformed into a beautiful resting, gathering, growing space for the community.

In 2020 our asylum seeker forum made it clear that one of the most important things to help them along their journey would be to have a functioning garden space; a place where people from the community could come together and grow produce, a place to relax or meet a friend for a coffee, a place that could remind them of home. So we began planning.

With a little help...

Thanks to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and their Community Environment Fund, we received the funding needed to begin renovating the garden. Much of the work was done by Bridge2 staff and volunteers over the course of several months until we hit a wall. Part of our budget included a level area for a storage shed, and we needed a company to lay flag stones so that we could move forward. With the weather getting nicer, most landscapers were too busy and did not have the time for such a small job.

Thankfully, through a mutual contact we were introduced to the Murphy Group who mentioned that they did work for charities frequently and wanted to know more about what we were doing. In no time Murphy sent engineers to survey the site, and two weeks later they returned with a crew of workers. They worked for two days, finishing the remainder of the work we needed to do in order to transform the garden into exactly what we envisioned. For all of their work, there was no bill.

Thriving

Today, the garden is thriving. We planted 18 fruit trees, the raised beds are filled with crisp lettuce, cauliflower, peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, and carrots, the seating area always has visitors, and the green space knows the pitter patter of children running and playing in the sun.

We invite you to come and enjoy this peaceful garden whenever you can.