Upcycled garden grows hope and community spirit

A local community garden project, led by The Power of Resilience CIC in partnership with Ridge Hill Together, has flourished thanks to the generous sponsorship of Notcutts Ashton Park Garden Centre and their manager, Kath Mitchell. With the support of dedicated local volunteers and community groups, the vision for a vibrant, inclusive garden came to life.

Victoria Storey and Wilfred Lawton of Notcutts played a vital role, offering hands-on support and transporting the garden to Wentworth Woodhouse, where it featured in the RHS’s inaugural Flower Show, drawing crowds of over 11,000 visitors a day.

The garden, crafted from a wheelbarrow, whiskey barrel, and other repurposed materials, blossomed into a container garden rich with pollinators and biodiversity. Its striking design and strong message of environmental sustainability and inclusivity received widespread acclaim.

Local collaboration was at the heart of the project’s success, with Russell Howell of Ridge Hill Together CIO, Sarah Watson, and Julie Mallinson of The Power of Resilience CIC working alongside 22 local adults to bring the garden to life.

A truly inclusive initiative, it reflected the diverse stories and lived experiences of everyone involved. Julie Mallinson, Executive Director of The Power of Resilience CIC, shared:

“This project represents the heart of what we do, creating spaces of belonging, healing, and environmental stewardship. Thanks to RHS, Notcutts and every volunteer, we’ve built more than a garden, we’ve grown hope, friendship, and a stronger community.”

As part of the RHS's mission to support pollinators and community wellbeing, garden designers Sam Dryell, Emily Joy Garden Design, and Lydia Weston Foss donated a beautiful collection of pollinator-friendly plants to further the work of The Power of Resilience CIC.

Following its success at Wentworth Woodhouse, the Upcycled Pollinator Garden is now proudly on display at Ridge Hill Together Hub in Stalybridge throughout August, encouraging residents and visitors alike to protect pollinators, reuse creatively, and grow together.