Green flag for council estate garden

It’s neighbouring ‘green’ spaces, Regent’s Park, Hyde Park and St. James’ Park may be better known but a council estate in the heart of the capital has been judged their equal.

The Lillington and Longmoore estate, in Pimlico, Westminster, is the only council estate to be awarded a Green Flag as one of the best green spaces in the country.

Situated less than two miles from world famous tourist attractions of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the River Thames, the estate’s gardens – dubbed The Hanging Gardens of Pimlico - have moved one step closer to rivalling their famous neighbours.

The Lillington and Longmoore estate comprises 943 flats split between 18 blocks which overlook the central gardens. It is is home to some 2,500 residents and is managed by ALMO CityWest Homes.

Alison Weller, head gardener for City West Homes, said of the award: “Council estates often to have pretty bad image problems, people see them as run down and shabby – we have proved that this is simply not the case.

“We recieved no special dispensation for being a social housing estate. We have met exactly the same criteria as the other gardens and green spaced recognised. This is a fantastic garden which is enjoyed by residents of all ages and we are extremely proud of what we have achieved.

“It’s great that in central London, just a stone’s throw from such desirable housing and world famous landmarks, we can provide everyone with access to some kind of green space”.

The CityWest Homes gardening team is supported by resident volunteers including one from the Women’s Farm and Garden Association.

A sensory garden designed to stimlate the senses forms part of the gardens. Residents can smell and taste seasonal plants and vegetables including carrots, beetroot, tomatoes and various herbs.

The gardening team tends to the 83 hanging baskets and manages the composting facilities on site as well as the glass house which is used for growing seeds and protecting plants during the winter.

To qualify for the Green Flag Award green spaces must meet certain conditions including ongoing community invlovement, submission of a garden managment strategy, health and safety measures and staff training initiatives. Gardens must be open spaces, available to all and free to enter.

Speaking about this future of the estate Weller said: “CityWest Homes and the residents of Pimlico have high expectations and are always excited to see what we will come up with next. We won’t be resting on our laurels – we have big plans for the future of the gardens”

Lillington and Longmoore gardening team will enter the Green Flag Awards again next year and have outlined plans for a children’s growing area to encourage the estate’s children to get involved in growing their own fruit.