A once-overgrown alley in South Manchester has completely changed thanks to a dedicated local resident, leaving visitors wowed.
The ginnel on the border of Greenbank Park and Mount Road was a ‘dumping ground’ covered in broken glass before a long-standing resident of 41 years decided to take matters into his own hands.
Patrick Smikle, 63, has spent the past 16 years working through all seasons and weather conditions in a bid to build and maintain a community garden in his back alleyway.
READ NEXT: Residents work together to transform neglected alleyway into green oasis
Now, what was once an ‘eyesore’ has been transformed into a plant-filled haven. The garden on Guildford Road alley has even been featured on BBC’s Gardeners World in 2022.
“Many years ago I saw an alleyway blossoming, and when gates were put on our ginnel I decided to try greening the space since my own garden wasn’t big enough.
“The alley was a dumping ground. There was broken glass and rubbish everywhere, it was dangerous for residents so it was avoided by everyone - it was a big task to tackle,” Patrick said.
Over time, a few plant pots turned into an array of plum and fruit trees, and flowers including hibiscus, mallows, roses, and calla lilies. The alley is even used as a selling point to landlords, as some people have rented or bought their houses because of the ginnel.
“There were no grants so building the garden took time, but with the support of my wife and neighbours, my enthusiasm was encouraged enough to build a community garden.”
Patrick is looking forward to his upcoming retirement from his job as a postman, so he can spend more time helping out in the community and continue working on the garden.
He also attends Levenshulme and Burnage Open Gardens events hosted by the Bud Garden Centre, where people can attend all of the private gardens and community spaces.
“It’s benefited me mentally and physically too - it’s lovely to have a relaxing space to socialise and be in touch with gardening.”
Win our competition
This year, the RHS and MEN have also teamed up to launch a competition, offering the chance for you to win invitations to the show opening, help transform your ginnel into a vibrant space, and win £1,000.
We are inviting residents, whether individuals, a few households together or community groups, to submit a photo or photographs of the space they want to transform, with up to 500 words and/or a two-minute film on what their plans are for their ginnel, why they believe they should win, and how they plan to maintain it.
The winners would receive an invitation to attend the opening day of RHS Flower Show Tatton Park on 19 July, a design consultation with Jason Williams, a former exhibitor at RHS Tatton Park and RHS Chelsea Flower Show, who will share his expert tips and ideas on how they can transform their ginnel, plus £1,000 in vouchers to spend on plants and materials needed to bring the vision to life.
“This ginnel garden competition is about bringing people together. There are completely different stories behind people’s gardening, which brings that sense of community - who may not have much of a garden and provide a safe space for people,” Jason said.
“I hope that I can give the winner the tools to create the garden and to keep it going throughout the year. We will be on hand to help with the technical side of things, I think it is really beneficial to anybody who applies.”
Entrants will be judged by Jason, the RHS's Tatton Show manager Lex Falleyn and Sarah Lester, the Editor of the MEN. They will also be visited regularly as the ginnel progresses and residents take pride in the upkeep of their garden.
Helena Pettit, Director of Gardens and Shows, said: “We are really thrilled to be partnering with Manchester Evening News on this exciting community gardening competition. “Plants and gardens enrich lives and bring people together. We are delighted that individuals and community groups across the North West have come together and created fantastic ginnel gardens, transforming these often unwelcome, grey spaces into green pockets full of plants.
“There are still hundreds of ginnels that remain unloved and through this competition and the Ginnel Garden at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park hope to inspire more people to bring their ginnels to life through the power of plants and flowers.
“We really look forward to hearing from individuals, community groups or households from across the region on how they plan to transform their ginnel into a green sanctuary.”
To enter, simply contact the email below with your full name, a photograph of the space you want to transform, and up to 500 words/and or a two-minute film on the plans for the ginnel, why you believe you should win, and how you plan to maintain it.
The competition closes midday on 23 June 2023, and winners will be notified after the closing date.
Contact us for a chance to win: mencomps@trinitymirror.com
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