The Pulp Friction – Growing Skills Garden

The garden is a celebration of the skill, determination and passion of the Pulp Friction Members. Inspired by the smoothie bikes that founded Pulp Friction Smoothie Bar CIC, the garden is formed around centrifugal forces, with colours and textures of edible planting spread throughout the garden – spun from the centre. This symbolises the connection between Pulp Friction and the wider community that they reside in.

At a glance:

Who is this garden for? 
The garden is a place where Pulp Friction Members, their families and the local community can come together in an inclusive setting that will challenge people’s perceptions of what people with learning disabilities and autism can achieve.
Where is the garden set?  
Nottingham, Central England.
Who or what is the design inspiration?
The inspiration for the garden comes from the story of Pulp Friction’s creation. Pulp Friction started by taking smoothie bikes to events and festivals, providing an opportunity for people with Learning Disabilities and/ or Autism to gain confidence and work experience. The motion and colours created by the bikes formed the inspiration for the garden. This concept drove the development of the garden and the idea to tell the story of Pulp Friction and their supporters. 

A large overhead hoop, constructed from recycled fire hoses, donated by one of Pulp Friction’s key partners: Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, encircles the central space. A place where everyone can come together to foster diversity, inclusion and equality while surrounded by vibrant edible planting. Every species selected within this garden has a secondary usable function outside of its appearance, be it edible, medicinal or beneficial to wildlife.

The planting is designed around the concept of a forest garden, inspired by the largest remaining remnant of Sherwood Forest, the area Pulp Friction calls home.

Key sustainability points

• Reclaimed or recycled local materials are used throughout the garden. From the feature hoop made of recycled fire hose, gabions created using reclaimed materials, the seating and rear wall made from reclaimed timber, to the paving made from waste material from commercial paving manufacturers.
• Concrete and cement free construction.
• All elements are to be either relocated to or reused by Pulp Friction after the show.
• All plants are grown peat free, watered by rainwater harvesting until show-delivery, biological pest control is used to ensure no chemicals. Pots will be recycled and will use reusable trolley jackets to reduce single use plastic consumption.

 

Relocation

The garden will be relocated to Stockhill Fire Station in Nottingham and will be used as a safe, welcoming and secure community garden by Pulp Friction, the local community and firefighters suffering from psychological stress.