The Hoxton Trust
The garden is run by the Hoxton Trust, who also provide free legal support and advice to those who may not otherwise be able to afford it. The garden boasts a vast array of organic fruit and vegetables that members of the garden can take home. They rely solely on volunteers for the upkeep of the garden and absolutely anyone can get involved. The garden can also be hired out for events, birthdays and gatherings for a small donation to the trust.
A garden for the community
As well as providing a garden for local people, the space is used by groups and charities alike in the hope of reducing isolation, breaking down social barriers and boosting cohesion in a diverse community of people.
We took the afternoon out of the office to spend some time volunteering with our local community, tending to the outdoor space and learning about this great project that means so much to so many.
Evermore team get to work
We split up into two groups, starting with simple weeding and compost sieving. Later in the afternoon, we re-potted young courgette and squash plants and sowed a selection of herb seeds, ready for them to be planted out in the garden at a later date.
The community gardener, Steve was full of horticultural knowledge and extremely welcoming, which made the experience (despite the rain) even more fulfilling. We came away with valuable garden knowledge and will be back to volunteer with Steve and the team again very soon.
Reap the benefits of volunteer gardening
- It evokes a sense of a community.
- It improves your mental health and wellbeing.
- You get to know your neighbours. Although London has the largest amount of people per mile anywhere else in the UK, it can also be a very lonely place and older residents can easily become isolated.
- You’ll be safe in the knowledge that you’re saving bees & other wildlife.
- Gain horticultural knowledge and new experiences.
- Reap what you sow – plant and nurture seedlings and watch them make their way to your dinner plate.
Want to get involved?
Contact the Hoxton Trust to enquire about their upcoming volunteer days or if you’d prefer something similar but closer to home, check with your local council for any gardening schemes in your area.
If your workplace might be interested in sponsoring the trust, partaking in a team-building day or hosting an event in the garden, they are always looking for funding and are a truly worthy cause.