the pothole gardener

From Battersea Power Station to New Zealand…

steve — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:38:00 +0000

With The Chelsea Fringe in full swing, I recently got down and dirty in Chelsea to create this little garden in the shadow of Battersea Power Station. If you’re in London, check out what they’re up to.

I’ve just been sent this great little garden from New Zealand. Thanks so much, it’s wonderful! I’ve begun a pothole garden map of the world to map all of the wonderful pothole gardens sent to me, why not get out gardening and then add your creation to the map?

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www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com

Our roads are crumbling. So we let them flourish …

steve — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:53:37 +0000

I had a wonderful email from Udo Reichle-Röber last week, entitled “Our roads are crumbling. So we let them flourish …” It seems another keen pothole gardener has popped up, this time in Northern Germany.

Have a look at his great little gardens and some of the attention he has been receiving.

Here’s his great little video.

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www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com

Some happy little gardens from Happy Valley!

steve — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:34:24 +0000

These lovely little gardens were sent to me recently from Hong Kong. They were part of TEDXHappyValley, and were part of a micro series which included a MicroVillage, some MicroDesign, a selection of MicroGraphics, a MicroTalk and a MicroInstallation.

The series momentarily transformed a colourful lane way in Tai Hang into micro-galleries. A small part of the community who were initially grumpy at the installation, are now loving it and want it to remain there!

I understand a local builder has now taken to watering the pothole gardens!

For more information on the installation check out TEDXHappyValley.

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www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com

ANZAC day garden

steve — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:37:26 +0000

A new little installation has just been sent to me by some keen gardeners in New Zealand, this time to remind passerby’s of the significance of ANZAC day. What a wonderful idea.

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www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com

A wee washing line in New Zealand!

steve — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:32:25 +0000

While National Gardening Week kicks off this week in the UK, here is a lovely little garden I’ve just been sent all the way from New Zealand!

It was created near a footpath in Otaki. Love the little washing basket and mini pegs, thanks for sending it to me.

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www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com

A new little garden in Stockholm

steve — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:37:52 +0000

I was recently in (very chilly) Stockholm and decided to flex my green fingers to create a simple little garden near the harbour.

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www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com

Blue Monday…

steve — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 09:28:51 +0000

The weather recently hasn’t exactly been enticing for pothole gardening (although last year I braved the snow for a little white garden).

However the wintery conditions didn’t deter the 1001 Club from a spot of pothole gardening recently – check out their great pics!

Today is officially the most depressing day of the year (who am I to argue with Wikipedia). However, did you know recent City and Guilds research found those working in horticulture to be the happiest in their jobs? Today the RHS are promoting careers in Horticulture. Check out their site for more information.

Here’s my little film Holes of Happiness (just in case you missed it) that might cheer you up today

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www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com

Merry Christmas!

steve — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 01:01:27 +0000

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a little festive garden, would it?

I created this little garden in London Fields, complete with everything you need at Christmas time: presents, a TV, crackers, Christmas stockings, decorations, a Yule Log and of course a Christmas Tree.

I also wanted to remind people that some people do it rough at Christmas, why not support a charity like SHELTER this festive season.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

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www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com

A year of little gardens

steve — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:54:15 +0000

This has been an epic year on the blog, and I thought I’d take some time to reflect on 2012. It all kicked off with my short documentary, Holes of Happiness, getting an incredible response on my YouTube channel, piling up over 200,000 views…

I then headed to Milan Design Week (thanks to Lancia) with filmmaker and partner in crime Ms McCokindale, to create a series of gardens for the opening days of the festival. It was quite a challenge (25 gardens in 2 days) but I managed to create some of my favourite gardens to date. From the arts to fashion to music to art, my little gardens reflected all things Italian.

I was also lucky enough to be invited to speak at some cool events, including TED in Hackney, The Lost Lectures and The Secret Garden Party. I’ve almost managed to get over my fear of public speaking

I had the opportunity to pothole garden with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. What an experience that was. I must say she was a lovely, lovely gardening companion and she had a wonderful sense of humour. Next time we go gardening together she promised to bring Charlie…

I organised a few walks over summer, taking out keen pothole gardeners. The first walk was part of the Chelsea Fringe (we also ran a cycle powered garden themed film festival at Hackney City Farm) and the second walk was part of Koppaberg’s unestablishment series of events in East London.

This little project has taken roots all over the world – from Quebec to Broome to The Hague to Colgne to Eastborne, I’ve had pothole gardens sent to me from all over the world. I’ve posted many of them on this dedicated page.

The Olympics took over East London, and so did a series of little sporting fields…

And, of course, my little book of little gardens was published last month by Dokument press. The book launch was a blast, and I even managed to squish people so they were small enough to fit in my miniature gardens…

Here’s the trailer for the book:

Thank you to everyone for their support, keep on gardening!

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www.thelittlebookoflittlegardens.com

In the shadow of the Barbican

steve — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 09:34:18 +0000

The Barbican is an iconic London landmark and also home to my latest little garden…

I’ve been sent two new awesome little gardens recently – Julia Keim included a deck chair for a tired farmer…

And this one from Sydney, Australia includes real alfalfa!

Keep those gardens coming in – I’ve got some more copies of my books to give away

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