Livat Hammersmith is excited to announce the second year of its Community Garden project. Each week, on selected Thursdays and Saturdays until 26th October, Livat Hammersmith’s free initiative invites volunteers of all ages and skill levels to dig in and enjoy the fruits of urban gardening. Whether you’re a ‘late bloomer’ to gardening, or a ‘keen bean’ for all things green, their workshops will equip you with the knowledge and skills to become the cream of the crop.

Managed in partnership between Livat Hammersmith and gardeners from Groundwork London – a charity working nationally and locally to transform lives in the UK’s most disadvantaged communities – the Livat Community Garden achieved a successful first harvest in 2023, providing volunteers with a bounty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This year, the garden returns with a renewed opportunity for volunteers to enjoy an array of delicious produce and continue cultivating a thriving green space.

With the first of the weekly sessions kicking off on Thursday 8th August at 3pm, the free Livat Community Garden is the perfect activity for families and children to get out into green spaces during the holidays. Professional gardeners will be on hand to help create a communal herb and vegetable garden in the planters of Ashcroft Square. The Community Garden can be found at the bright yellow planters in Ashcroft square, which can be accessed through Livat Hammersmith by turning left at the top of the Atrium stairs, signposted as Ashcroft Square.

During the school holidays, Livat Hammersmith encourages families to visit and join in the interactive sessions – where children can learn about sustainability, nature, gardening and plant power! Throughout August, workshops offer creative and educational activities, such as planting succulents, building bird feeders and crafting mini bottle gardens. These fun-filled sessions are designed to spark an ongoing love for nature in the youngest green thumbs and provide a fantastic family day out!

The garden also offers a perfect sensory break and a calm space for everyone to sit, relax, and reset. With plants ranging from lavender to lemon verbena, there are so many scents and sights to be enjoyed. It’s an ideal spot for local residents to step away from the hustle and bustle and meet like-minded individuals through gentle, engaging activities that promote wellness and connection throughout the summer and autumn season.

And finally, all gardeners’ hard work will be celebrated at the Harvest Celebration on Saturday, 26th October, from 10 am-12 noon. The community is invited to come together and enjoy the fresh fruits and vegetables that have been grown throughout the season. This event will showcase the community’s collective efforts and provide an opportunity for everyone to savour the results of the communities gardening achievements.

The Livat Community Garden is a testament to Livat Hammersmith’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement. It serves as an ongoing space for wellness, fostering a sense of belonging among local residents, who can return to the garden again and again as they please. The project is part of a broader effort of building a connected and resilient community within Hammersmith, running alongside monthly activities like the Livat Mending Circle and Repair workshops.

Memo Hussein, Meeting Place Manager at Livat Hammersmith, comments: “We are thrilled to invite the community to our second year of gardening at Livat Hammersmith. This garden is a fantastic opportunity for locals to connect, learn, and grow together. We’re committed to fostering these valuable interactions that not only enhance our green spaces but also strengthen our community bonds.”

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, we welcome you to bring your questions, share your knowledge, and contribute to our vibrant community.

For more information, please visit the Livat website: https://www.livat.com/hammersmith/en/events/livat-community-garden/

Or, to book your space on one of these workshops, please contact: [email protected] or reach out to Vanessa via text or call at 07716 993 984.