The Garden Gate Project

Everywhere you look at the moment, there are signs of preparation and expectation for the season ahead. Winter’s pruning and clearing are done. Seeds have been sown and are germinating. Cuttings are taking root. Bulbs are poised to bloom. The lawnmowers have started up again, and there’s a distinct freshness in the spring air. At the time of writing, temperatures have climbed to 14°C — a noticeable shift. The early hints of growth we saw last month are now gathering pace. Gol

Just inside our gate stands a still quite modest, but wonderfully vibrant, young monkey puzzle tree. It’s easy to imagine how, in time, it will grow into a tree of real presence and character, greeting and inspiring everyone who arrives at the Garden Gate Project. For now, it feels symbolic of much of the garden in February: young, full of promise, and quietly gathering strength.   As winter enters its final wet and windswept month, the garden sits in that familiar in-between

After our fantastic annual Christmas lunch—full of warmth, good food, and shared celebration—the New Year has arrived, bringing with it a natural moment to pause, take stock, and look ahead to 2026.

Spring in the Making: Bulbs by the Thousand In preparation for next spring’s cut-flower extravaganza, Rachel, David, and the team have planted an impressive 3,200 bulbs across the garden. A full spectrum of tulip varieties—alongside early-rising ranunculus, which are already pushing up through the soil in our smaller polytunnel!

As October fades into November, the garden settles into a quiet pause. All Hallows’ Eve and All Saints’ Day, rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, mark the turning of the year from harvest to winter — a moment when the light softens and the earth draws breath. For early communities, it was the final harvest: crops gathered, stores counted, the soil tucked beneath fallen leaves. For gardeners now, the rhythm is much the same. As we clear beds and collect seeds, we

As September eases away and October settles in, the garden shifts into its autumn rhythm. The grass is receiving its final trims of the year, while busy ladybirds still feast on the last of the aphids.

There’s a special moment each year when the air shifts, the sunlight mellows, and the unmistakable aroma of browning leaves drifts in on the breeze. Autumn has arrived. In the garden, summer’s exuberance is waning: dahlias and cosmos, once dazzling with their colour and energy, are now giving their last performances.

Despite a sudden heavy downpour, our annual Music Day on Saturday 19th July was a resounding success. Thank you to everyone who braved the rain and made the day so special.

As July rolls in, we’ve been enjoying the beautiful sunny weather—though it’s certainly brought its challenges as well as rewards. One particular highlight this past month was our 5k sponsored walk to Botany Bay, held in memory of our much-missed Chair of Trustees, Paul Burton.

Our Spring Open Day on Saturday, 17th May was a tremendous success! Thanks to the glorious sunshine—and to all of you who came along—we raised a record-breaking amount of money.

As we step into May during a glorious hot spell, the garden at the Garden Gate Project is alive with fresh green growth and a dazzling display of colour. Everywhere you look, the signs of full spring are unfurling...

April has arrived, and our Garden Gate Project community garden is bursting with life! Right now, the garden is a sea of golden daffodils...

The first golden daffodils are opening their bright faces, as our community garden shakes off winter and prepares for the burst of colour...

As the days gradually lengthen, our community garden is bursting with new life and activity. Thanks to a generous donation of surplus seeds

In typical Garden Gate fashion, around fifty of our members, volunteers and staff enjoyed a fabulous Christmas lunch with all the trimmings.

As the days grow shorter and the nights become colder our garden quietens for winter and transforms into a haven for wildlife...

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a wonderful Falling Leaves Autumn Open Day on Saturday 2nd November...

Already three-quarters through September, autumn seems colder and wetter than in recent years despite the odd scorching hot day...

Our annual Music Day, held on Saturday 20th July, was a sensational triumph! Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we...

The garden in July, past the peak of midsummer, has transitioned into a mood of relaxed abundance...