In Full Bloom: Natalie’s Garden of Growth and Hope

Turning isolation into inspiration 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, everything changed. It was a strange, isolating time for everyone. But in the middle of all that uncertainty, Natalie found something really meaningful: the garden behind our building. 

That space had been a bit of a forgotten corner, overgrown, unloved, but Natalie saw something in it. And honestly, it became a lifeline for her. 

That garden was a godsend for her mental wellbeing. She threw herself into it when the world felt like it was standing still, and she’s never looked back. 

What started off as a little project for herself quickly grew into something much bigger. Natalie has a real eye for a bargain, she's always hunting out great finds online. From a huge hammock to free bark mulch, she’s transformed the space using almost entirely recycled or donated items from Facebook Marketplace and beyond. 

She’s turned that once-forgotten patch into a proper community garden. It’s not just flowers and plants, it’s where we now host BBQs, birthday parties, lunches, or just have a blether in the sunshine. Visitors love it too. I remember when our housing association’s finance team popped by years ago, they were so blown away they funded an outdoor tap for her. That’s the kind of impact Natalie has. 

She even added a wee pond (and she’s currently campaigning hard to get fish in there—I’ve not caved yet, but we’ll see!). 

Natalie’s also teamed up with Mike*, another resident here, and together they’ve been identifying more spaces around the service to work their green-fingered magic. On top of that, she and Graham volunteer twice a week at the local community garden. They’re a brilliant part of that group, working alongside neighbours and sharing tips and laughs. 

The community garden even has its own Facebook page now, with full consent from everyone involved, and it’s brilliant to see their progress posted there. Lunch is often provided, but honestly, it’s the sense of purpose and connection that seems to feed everyone the most.