Kims story
Here's a little biography about the founder of the Urban Greening Project and how she's got to where she is now.
Beginnings…
I started gardening in the community in 2020 as a volunteer for the Open Orchard Project. Since that time, I have been developing my horticultural knowledge through street gardening and by exchanging knowledge with inspirational urban gardeners.
My gardening with Open Orchard evolved into a passion for urban greening in the business and public realm. I see urban greening as an empowering form of climate action.
I am particularly interested in how to create sustainable urban green spaces. And by ‘sustainable’ I mean trying fresh ideas to resource maintenance (which is so often neglected despite being crucial).
Getting the Gravel Garden Bug…
After the drought of 2022, Open Orchard piloted a low maintenance gravel garden at Bzz Garage, a garden at Norwood bus station. This was on a street in the industrial estate devoid of tree canopy and subject to urban heat. The garden is still flourishing and demands very little water or maintenance. It was a clear demonstration that more traditional gardening practise needs to adapt to our changing climate. I became totally hooked on gravel gardens.
Project Managing…
I have a professional background in TV production and charity fundraising. With years of years of experience running largescale projects to meet deadlines within budget, it has been a natural step to initiate greening projects.
In 2022, I approached Big Yellow West Norwood to add more greenery to their grounds. This became a two year maintenance contract which I managed for Open Orchard.
In 2024, I persuaded Kwik Fit West Norwood to give Open Orchard a modest budget to green their car park perimeter. The area was neglected, fly tipped and was badly impacting the street view. As project lead, I designed the garden, organised the planting and managed the budget. We created a gravel section. It was a great opportunity to trial low maintenance planting on high street business premises. Within the first year, the garden was flourishing. Customers and passersby often express their appreciation when we garden there.
Ethos…
I believe strongly that if people are given agency and some horticultural guidance, they will embrace greening a neglected patch of land and maintain it. I have seen firsthand how people can get a sense of joy through gardening or by living/working near green spaces.
I am particularly keen to provide opportunities for women to work in horticulture to address the gender gap in the sector.
I remain closely involved in community gardening with the fantastic Open Orchard Project.
Key Inspirations…
There are so many inspirational people working in this area who have been generous sharing their learning with me. But special mention to Abundance London, Broadstairs Town Team, Invisible Palace and Heartscapes…all fighting the fight and working their socks off to street garden.