Urban garden inspiration opens at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Amateur horticulturalists looking for inspiration on how to refresh their outdoor space are invited to head to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ newest feature: the Urban Garden.

Developed with the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, it comprises four separate areas – three small gardens and a balcony – and showcases what can be achieved in even the smallest of spaces.

The Gardens, which last month (August 2021) was voted the most popular place in Birmingham to “take a breath” in a survey commissioned by Taskforce for Lung Health, transformed the site to create the inspirational settings with raised beds, wall planters, pots and seating.

Wayne Williams, head gardener at the 15-acre historic attraction in Edgbaston, said: “We know visitors love to come to the Gardens to enjoy the quiet, green space and enjoy the visual feast of the plants we have here, but we also wanted to create a space where people who want to refresh their own gardens could get some ideas.

“The Urban Garden offers a fresh perspective on gardening in smaller spaces and we hope people who have downsized or who are starting gardening for the first time can pick up some tips on how to make the most of their space. It shows that even if you have just a small balcony, you can create something quite special to enjoy all year round.”

Birmingham Botanical Gardens is an independent charity that relies solely on memberships, visitors and charitable donations for its funding. The project was supported by a grant of £10,000 from the Birmingham City Council’s Local Innovation fund via Calthorpe Residents’ Society to develop a community hub at the Gardens. Another donation of £7,000 was made by The Property For Kids Trust.

It also received substantial support from: JG Landscaping; London Stone Paving Ltd; Wienerberger Ltd; and Urban Herbs, while thousands of pounds worth of materials were also secured by award-winning garden designer Martyn Wilson, of Wilson Associates Garden Design, who was commissioned to design and build the Urban Garden.