Guerrilla Gardening

Guerrilla Gardening involves transforming a piece of otherwise unused land into a garden. The concept originates from travelling or displaced communities who cultivated areas for food. The term was coined more recently, in the USA by the Green Guerillas community group, who began in the 1970's by throwing sunflower seeds into abandoned lots.

Although historically the movement was politically motivated, today its rising popularity seems to come from an increased awareness of climate change and threats to environmental stability. It is also a way for individuals to be active in their local communities, working to improve social cohesion and the local environment.

See an example of Guerrilla Gardening activity within Cheltenham.

Drainage and Waterways

 Cheltenham is built over the River Chelt, one of the main tributaries of the River Severn. Its location means it is used as the local area's main depository for surface water. This causes massive rises in the water level,  from 0.34m to 2.17m, especially in the winter months.

See below a picture of the drainage solutions on the pedestrian footpath next to the river, and the flood defence put in place to help cope with the excess water.

 

Spring Bubs .3

  Over the winter, I prepared a bulb lasagna. We saw the crocuses bloom in March, the tulips in April and now its May we can see the first signs of the Alliums.

This last addition to the bulb lasagna should achieve a far higher ultimate height of the bulbs included and has a globe-shaped flower head, which contrasts with the cup form of the Crocus and Tulips.