In January 2007 I invited Termite  - Low Impact Construction to make a DIY Garden proposal for the exterior site at 64 Campbell Road.  At that point it was a disused concrete space, a really odd bit of architecture, a no mans land set like a moat between the front of the building and the road. It was really bleak. Never used. But definitely could be.

All the residents and staff that I talked with about the area, proposed that we either smash the concrete and plant grass, install a barbecue & garden furniture, hang baskets, do some farming there, grow vegetables, make raised flower beds. A swimming pool was also suggested! I passed on these suggestions to Termite who said they were keen to integrate the existing ideas of residents into their design. 

A few weeks later Termite presented their ideas – DIY Garden: Brownfield, Wildflower Meadow, Herb Tracks and Vegetable patches  - a project that would re - connect 64 Campbell Road to the local bio diversity wildlife corridor.  It was approved!

DIY Garden was constructed over six weeks. They worked according to plan, but also responded directly to the site, allowing unexpected findings to spark new ideas – such as using rubber tyres found in a nearby car park to plant potatoes and recycling palettes into garden furniture.  These are just a few examples   It was an inspiration to be involved in the construction process, that became an all sensory experience as it transformed from grey to all shades of green.

Since the day of planting it has become a flourishing site. A wild haven of rare plants and flowers. In September we had the first harvest of potatoes and tomatoes and we are now starting up a seasonal gardening club which we hope the activities will become part of the residents support plan – as further guides and inspiration to independent living

This section guides you through the process of construction with photos, writing, video clips plus provided a resource of links to related sites.

See Invited Guest bios for further info on Termite Low Impact Construction

Ella Gibbs, October 2007