Two neglected verges outside nursing accommodation on the street that borders Guy’s and King’s College London have been transformed into thriving green spaces as part of Team London Bridge’s programme to improve urban biodiversity and wellbeing for local communities.
Team London Bridge asked gardening experts Oriana’s Gardens devise the planting scheme. They were helped with the hard graft by 15 members from the Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust over four days of gardening. The volunteers cleared away weeds and rubbish before putting down new soil and planting a range of shade tolerant, climate change resistant plants, including those with historical connections to medicine like Alchemilla mollis – a low-growing plant whose leaves collect dew and which has been used for centuries in alchemy traditions.
This adds another two gardens to the 21 that are already managed by Team London Bridge, providing over an acre of planting, and delivering on our commitment to improve the spaces for businesses, visitors and residents.
Newcomen Corner Garden was officially opened on International Nurses Day on 12th May and will continue to be looked after by Oriana’s team, who look after so many spaces in the area for Team London Bridge.
Tom Fraser-Ivens, Sustainable Operations Manager from Team London Bridge, said “We’ve researched plants used in pharmacology and with historical health uses to connect this new pocket garden with Guy’s Hospital. Research shows that access to green space is good for mental health and wellbeing. We hope this new green space will thrive and benefit this busy area in the heart of London.”
Many thanks to Assistant Property Director David Baughan, who also sits on the TLB Board, who has spent about two years working to gain access to the site for regeneration, which will now be enjoyed by local people, including clinical staff living there who will see it from their windows. He said: “This is a great example of what Essentia is about – working with our partners to develop something lasting and meaningful for the people around us. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring this formerly unloved area near Guy’s to life.”