Rochdale community unites for return of the 'ginnel garden' at Tatton

Local groups from Petrus, Falinge Park High School and charity Aspire to Inspire are working together to create a 'ginnel garden' at this year's RHS Flower Show in Tatton Park.

Led by the homelessness charity Petrus, the 'kaleidoscope ginnel garden', first introduced at last year's event, will celebrate the diverse friendships formed through community gardening.

Last year, the local 'ginnel garden' entry showcased how these spaces were transformed into vibrant, productive areas by communities during the pandemic.

Inspired by the 60th anniversary of RHS’s Britain in Bloom, this year’s ginnel will be constructed by three community organisations from Rochdale, highlighting the enduring and diverse connections fostered through the shared joy of gardening.

 

 

A ginnel, also known as an alleyway or snicket, is a narrow passage between houses, often an unused space in urban residential areas. 

Rachael Bennion, lead designer and Petrus Service Lead said: “At our community allotment, PIER, people who have experienced isolation and hardship can find belonging and friendship.

"Being part of Rochdale in Bloom amplifies that feeling and has helped us connect with the wider community. Our take on the Ginnel Garden is a tribute to the positive impact it has had in our community, showcasing the friendships, and opportunities we’ve all had as a result.”

The kaleidoscope ginnel garden has been created with the support of service users, volunteers and staff from Petrus, Falinge Park High School and charity Aspire to Inspire.

Each organisation will have a section to express what friendship means to them.

Visitors can expect to be inspired by sunlight dancing through textured glass, a rainbow of plants, an abundance of garden art, and chatty benches to forge new friendships.

Each community group will have their own section of the ginnel reflecting their community and experiences of friendship.

The garden is sponsored by the RHS, M&Y Maintenance and Construction, J Parker’s, Ecogee and Rochdale Rotary Club. Rochdale Council has also offered support for the project, providing storage and transport of materials to and from the show site.

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park takes place from 17-21 July.