Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is a green retreat on the station’s busy platform for travellers wanting to continue their nature experience from the local heath. The garden was established in July 2016 thanks to the collaborative efforts of local volunteers and the Peace Garden.
Covering 75m2 of trackside space, the garden is an edible-focused garden with a bountiful herb bed, glorious trailing squash and beans over two arches, and a wall of brambles providing us with regular blackberry harvests in the warmer months. Providing additional fragrance to the herbs are the rose arbour, and the rose-scented geranium creating a sensory experience when traipsing through the garden.
The focus of growing edibles has been decided by the community group to hone their own edible-growing skills, as well as share seasonal vegetables with commuters and the local community. When deciding what to do with our excess, we have to remind ourselves that abundance is never a problem! Commuters, locals and volunteers are always free to harvest from the garden when passing through.
We meet most Wednesdays @ 1pm, and Thursdays @ 5:30pm. Sign up to volunteer below!
Hampstead Heath Station Garden at a glance:
Size: 75m2 trackside space
Built elements: arches with trailing beans and squash, wooden seating area, 2 pallet composters
Horticultural description: Perhaps the most exceptional thing about this garden from a horticultural viewpoint is the soil; you wouldn’t know it from looking at the abundance here, but the entirety of the garden is growing out of a layer of soil about 30cms deep that is on top of the tarmac. This garden is an island of green on the platform.
Edibles: blackberries, tomatoes, various herbs in herb garden,
Get involved: regular sessions are Wednesdays @ 1pm, Thursdays @ 5:30pm organised via WhatsApp.
Engagement officer: Anna Crispino
Contact: anna@energygarden.org.uk to get involved!