Britain in Bloom

Our group of volunteers is made up of gardeners, DIYers, bakers, crafters but most of all we are nature lovers and friends. The Wonky Garden started in 2017 with a neglected strip of land behind a community centre in Halton, Cheshire. Half a dozen of us started the project after we met at a yoga class for cancer patients. It turned out to be a genius location, accessible, in the heart of the community and a hub for all kinds of people. By some minor miracle, word of mouth and social media brought others to our grassy doorstep.

Since then, we have had an absolute ball getting to know each other, learning and experimenting while we used our shared knowledge to create an oasis of calm. We have more than 30 volunteers, many of whom joined because of loneliness, isolation and life-changing events. Our ages range from eight to 88 and our gardening skills from zero to hero.

“Our pooled life experiences, skills and personalities have blended beautifully enabling us to build a magical space.”

Like all volunteering groups, we love a good brew – time to catch up, plan and ram cakes in our faces.

Together, we have created a therapy garden, renovated the children’s garden, and created a new allotment and yard with a multi-purpose workshop and greenhouse. Our latest addition is the Friendship garden – the perfect space for volunteers to sit and take a moment or connect with a friend.

Best of all, we have the love and support of our community. Our friendships extend through gifting our edibles, bouquets and plants to bring a smile to those in need of help or cheer. We have many groups that come to the garden for activities and late last year we created a growing network, using RHS funding. We have ten groups visiting us, who are learning and laughing through the seasons, creating plans to green their lovely spaces while supporting child carers, dementia patients and victims of modern slavery, to name just a few.

It’s been hard work and we have had some epic fails but can honestly say we dust ourselves off and try again.

“We always try and remember to step back and remind ourselves of what we have achieved together and show how the power of friendship can work to create a beautiful space full of laughter for all to enjoy.”