Across Choice’s housing schemes, gardening has become more than just a hobby—it’s a powerful tool for enhancing wellbeing, fostering community spirit, and supporting local biodiversity. From Ballydown Court to Elm Court and Mill Court, residents have transformed shared outdoor spaces into vibrant, therapeutic environments that benefit everyone. These green spaces not only offer beauty and relaxation but also play a vital role in promoting biodiversity, which supports pollinators, improves air and soil quality, and strengthens local ecosystems—ultimately contributing to healthier, more sustainable communities.
Ballydown Court gardening project has grown into a vibrant, community-wide initiative involving residents in various roles, from hands-on gardening to fundraising and support. Originally focused on the beauty and therapeutic benefits of plants, the project now also emphasises biodiversity and its positive impact on physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
This year, enhancements include hanging baskets, window, and wall plant boxes, new flower gardens around the building, raised beds, bird boxes, feeders, and water features. These additions ensure that every resident enjoys views of nature, fostering a sense of pride, ownership, and community spirit throughout the scheme.
At Elm Court, the Garden Club has revitalised the communal grounds, enhancing biodiversity and resident wellbeing through the introduction of bird-friendly features, pollinator-attracting plants, and a growing orchard. With contributions from engaged residents and support from local horticultural experts, the garden now serves as a vibrant, therapeutic space that fosters community pride. The scheme is proudly preparing to enter the Garden of the Year competition.
At Mill Court residents with a passion for gardening have been actively enhancing the communal green space. Over recent months, they’ve collected leaves for composting, supporting both home-grown vegetables and vibrant planting in the wild garden area - an important habitat for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and ladybirds. The garden is continually enriched with new plants, with any surplus shared across local gardens. Looking ahead, tenants are preparing a healthy environment to welcome frogs during the upcoming spawn season, further supporting local biodiversity.
These are only a few examples of how biodiversity initiatives are becoming embedded across our housing schemes, and none of this would be possible without the hard work and enthusiasm of residents and staff. If similar work is being done at your scheme please do get in touch and we can consider including it in future editions of Choice News!
