Reap the benefits of the Walled Garden!

We caught up with Aslina, one of the staff volunteers for City’s edible walled garden to find out about how she got involved and what she enjoys about attending the sessions!

How did you find out about the garden? 

I learnt about the City Walled Garden during my Induction Day in October 2019.

How long have you been using the garden?

I have been a regular volunteer from October 2019 until the end of February 2020. Due to COVID19, we were unable to continue the gardening sessions until 2022. However, the knowledge that I gained from the previous sessions had inspired me to continue gardening at home during the lockdown period. I was happy to know that the gardening sessions reopened this year.

Why do you enjoy coming to the weekly sessions? 

Apart from my love for nature, I also have a more selfish reason why I enjoy the weekly sessions! Living and working in London could be very hectic, and the nature of my job (desk work) can sometimes be stressful. Spending my lunch break outdoors, nurturing plants, and harvesting the produce at the end of the gardening sessions allow me to de-stress. Seeing the plants grow – especially the ones I planted – provides me with a sense of accomplishment; it’s a rewarding experience.

What kind of things do you do in the garden?

I have been involved in the whole cycle from sowing, repotting plants, weeding, pruning, and cleaning the area. The best and my favourite task is harvesting! You get to bring home fresh vegetables and herbs.

What do you grow?

Many types of herbs; parsley, basil, mint, salad leaves, tomatoes, bell peppers, chillies, beetroots, cucamelons* etc.

What’s the most interesting thing you have grown this year?

Cucamelons* and beetroots (not the regular ones, but the fancy ones)!

Why should other staff and students get involved?

Gardening is a healthy hobby and a useful life skill. Some studies have found spending time in green spaces helps people to destress and relax. The sessions also allow you to meet others with the same interest from outside your regular work/study circles. We often exchange cooking recipes or have interesting chats during the session too. I always feel good after each session.

Thanks Aslina!

Find out more about when the Gardening sessions take place and how you can get involved!