Lea Bridge Library

We are proud to have been entrusted by the London Borough of Waltham Forest to source and plant the newly designed garden at Lea Bridge Library. Until now, the space has been somewhat neglected and undervalued, housing several large trees and areas of patchy grass.

This outdoor space, once overlooked and undervalued, has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, thanks to the visionary design by Tom Massey.

The goal of the Resilient Garden project was twofold: to enhance the biodiversity of the local environment by creating a diverse, wildlife-friendly garden, and to provide a versatile outdoor space that could be used by the local community for various activities and events. 

The Resilient Garden covers a significant area surrounding Lea Bridge Library, and its design incorporates thousands of plants, trees, and bulbs, selected to enhance biodiversity and offer ecological value.

The garden needed to be resilient enough to withstand both foot traffic and the varying demands of community activities, while also providing a habitat for wildlife. Another challenge was creating a cohesive design that would support both ecological goals and community engagement without overwhelming the space or making it feel too busy.

With a dedicated effort from our team and the local community, over 2300 plants, 18 trees, and more than 150m2 of species-rich turf have been carefully integrated into the garden. Later in the year, almost 3000 bulbs were also added, creating an eruption of life and colour in the spring.

Promoting movement and exploration, the garden embraces visitors of all ages with strategically placed paths and gaps in the planting, allowing them to meander and explore nature’s wonders. The design team worked closely with the local community to create a usable area, whilst also being a resilient space. 

Species such as chamomile and mint have been planted next to paths and seating areas, waiting to be pulled or trodden on to release calming aromas. Other edible species include strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, blueberries, apples, pears, cherries and even rhubarb, feeding both the visitors and the local wildlife who enjoy the garden.

An additional burst of resilience and beauty was added to the garden through a generous donation of 500 plants from Tom Massey’s resilient garden at the RHS Hampton Court flower show. This donation, made possible by Hortus Loci and the RHS, included Hostas, Alliums, Sanguisorbia, and a variety of grasses and ferns, which effortlessly blended with the original planting. The drought-tolerant mix added depth and a more established feel from day one, reinforcing the garden’s commitment to sustainability and responsible green practices.

With each passing season, the garden will continue to flourish, serving as a testament to the power of transformative spaces, the importance of biophilic design, and the unyielding spirit of community engagement.

In addition to the planting scheme, the garden includes a series of features to support both community use and sustainability, including paths, seating, edible plants, and a composting area. These elements have been integrated to ensure that the garden is both inviting and functional for a range of uses, from quiet contemplation to active community events. 

The design is also flexible enough to accommodate outdoor activities such as yoga classes, gardening workshops, and community celebrations, making it an important social space within the neighbourhood.

Urban greening projects, such as the Lea Bridge Library Garden, enhance the city’s resilience by mitigating the urban heat island effect, improving air quality, and supporting biodiversity. They also promote sustainable practices like composting and rainwater harvesting. 

The community planting initiative helped promote community engagement and created shared spaces for social interaction, and contributed to urban biodiversity. The initiative also offered educational opportunities for residents to learn about sustainable practices and the importance of green spaces.

The Lea Bridge Library Community Planting project stands as a testament to the transformative power of green spaces in urban environments. From the seamless integration of biophilic design principles to fostering community engagement and sustainability, this project exemplifies the positive impact that urban greening initiatives can have on our cities and our lives.

As an urban greening company, Meristem Design takes immense pride in being part of this journey of growth and connection. The Lea Bridge Library Garden will continue to bloom and thrive, serving as a living reminder of the beauty that arises when we embrace nature’s touch and cultivate meaningful connections within our communities.