Jasmin

Every Tuesday morning, whatever the weather, people gather in Bernie Spain Gardens for far more than gardening. For many, Coin Street's Gentle Gardening group has become a place to reconnect with nature, build friendships and rediscover confidence. Together they grow fruit, vegetables and herbs, care for one of Waterloo's most loved green spaces and end each session by sharing a meal, often made with ingredients harvested from the garden.

With support from The National Lottery Community Fund, Coin Street has transformed the growing space through new and repaired raised beds, healthier soil and improved accessibility. These improvements have created a more productive garden and enabled more local people to take part, whatever their experience or ability.

Today, 25 people attend regularly, with many more joining throughout the year. The group welcomes people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who are unemployed, neurodivergent, managing mental health challenges or living with disabilities. For many, Gentle Gardening provides purpose, structure and a reason to get out of the house each week.

For participant Jasmin, the group has become an important part of her life. "I've been coming for seven years and look forward to it every week," she says. Known affectionately as the group's unofficial "slug and snail patrol," Jasmin is just as passionate about protecting the vegetables as she is about welcoming new participants. "It gets you outside among the wildlife and helps you meet new people," she says.

The impact extends beyond Bernie Spain Gardens. Throughout the year, participants have explored other inspiring green spaces across London, including Kew Gardens, the Orchid Festival, Stave Hill Ecological Park and the Garden Museum. These shared visits encourage learning, spark new ideas and strengthen the friendships that have grown through the project.

As Jasmin puts it simply, "It brings people from the area together."

Gentle Gardening demonstrates how community-led projects can transform both places and people. By caring for a shared space, participants improve their wellbeing, develop confidence and create lasting friendships, while helping to make Bernie Spain Gardens an even more vibrant and welcoming place for everyone.