A Mitcham community garden is participating in the Capital Growth Good to Grow Week 2026 to promote the spring growing season.
The Small Quarter is a community garden and workshop tucked away on the corner of Croydon Road, next to The Ravensbury.
The garden is running volunteering sessions on April 21st, 24th and 26th from 10am-2pm. They are hosting these sessions in conjunction with Good to Grow Week.
Paulette Ragan, a garden regular, said: “We’d like more people to come to the garden, it’s a bit of a hidden gem really.
“We have open days on a Saturday once a month and often families will come in. People can just put a few plants in – any sort of help is welcome.
“People can just come and enjoy the garden. This time of the year, Spring time, it’s really a great time for people to come along.”
Placed against the backdrop of a hectic main road, The Small Quarter holds host to a variety of trees, plants, insects as well as various fruits and vegetables.
Acquired by Gary Holness in 2015, the plot was ravaged by overgrown nettles and foliage.
Since then it has become a refuge for locals seeking a green-space away from the urban environment of South London.
Another garden regular, Dan, 91 spoke of the garden’s importance to him.
“It means a lot because when I come here it’s away from the town. It’s more like the country.”
Stowed away at the back of the garden are multiple hives that host thousands of bees.
These hives are looked after by volunteers, Alessio and Tom. They who caretake for the insects in between their full time jobs.
Both spoke to me about the importance of raising awareness to preserve different types of bees and how their cause could benefit from that effort.
Alessio said: “It would be helpful, if not with funding, for green areas to be much more accessible for normal people. Provide them with boundaries in order for them to have bees.
“I would never have my bees in an open space because it’s unsafe. There are lots of reports of beehives being stolen.”
Tom added: “There definitely needs to be more awareness, outreach programmes and support from the government and councils.
“All schools have a bit of land, there should be initiatives for schools to use their land to keep bees on it. Engage and teach the children about bees, wildlife and even careers.”
The Good To Grow week aims to help people discover community gardens all over London, alongside the spring growing season.
Over 90 events will take place across the city, open for the public to attend.
Feature Image Credit: Ben Matthews
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