Jackwood House Garden Celebration

Sunday 8th June, 2025

In 2024 we received funding from the National Grid Electricity Transmission’s Community Grant Programme to replant Jackwood House Garden with a wildlife friendly planting scheme.

Over the course of the year 33 volunteers donated over 407 hours to work directly in the garden. We began by transplanting the few remaining roses to community adopters and to the terrace. Then we enriched the soil in the beds and replaced the rotten wood edging with galvanised metal. In late summer we took delivery of over 1000 plants and bulbs. Along with plants grown from seeds and cuttings, others donated from local gardens or taken as cuttings, the beds were progressively filled before autumn set-in.

To add more habitats we used logs from elsewhere in the woods to create a stag beetle pyramid and recycled wood was used by local craft men and women to make bug hotels of various sizes - some of which were decorated by local schools.

Then we had a long wait over winter to see what would survive. Now summer has arrived and we can breath a sign of relief as the plants have flourished. June gives us an opportunity to take stock of the plants thriving in the garden, chosen for the different ways they support pollinators and contribute to the character of this small but diverse space.

After many months of hard work, we’re delighted that what was once a neglected and sorry space has been brought back to life thanks to the dedication and care of our wonderful volunteers and supporters.

To mark the end of this phase, we held a garden celebration on Saturday 8th June. The weather was kind, the garden looked beautiful, and the event was full of warmth and community spirit. Visitors stopped by throughout the afternoon to admire the transformation, enjoy some homemade food, and soak up the atmosphere.

We were treated to a delightful performance by the string quartet Ilyrica, whose music added something truly special to the occasion. The Mayor of Greenwich also joined us and gave a supportive speech, recognising the significance of the project and the hard work involved.

Now that restoration is complete, the garden moves into a new phase: maintenance. Our aim is to keep this much-loved space looking its best, while continuing to encourage wildlife, seasonal planting, and community enjoyment.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped along the way—whether you pulled weeds, nurtured cuttings, planted bulbs, or simply came to show support. Jackwood House Garden is now a place to enjoy and nurture together.

photos courtesy of Conal Jones