- Plumstead’s Gabriel Road Area Project Association has transformed a once-abandoned dumping site into a thriving vegetable garden.
- The community-driven initiative now offers over 60 varieties of vegetables and sells fresh produce at affordable prices.
- This garden has become a symbol of transformation and collective effort.
In Plumstead, a once-overlooked plot on the corner of Gabriel Road has been transformed into a flourishing vegetable garden, thanks to the efforts of the Gabriel Road Area Project Association.
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Every Saturday, a dedicated group of volunteers gathers to nurture the space, which now boasts 60 varieties of vegetables and seven newly-added flower beds.
The garden, which started as a local initiative to reclaim unused land that was used as a dumping site, has become a community centrepiece.
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Elaine Rousseau, a key figure behind the project, spoke of the garden’s impact: “This space used to have a lot of negative energy, but now it’s full of life. It’s become a hangout spot where people come together, work with the earth and take pride in what we’ve built.”
With 10 volunteers, the garden has grown rapidly, providing fresh, organic produce to the community at what Rousseau calls “community prices”. Its produce is sold at affordable rates to ensure that everyone can access healthy, locally grown vegetables.
Rousseau added.
“This is about more than just growing vegetables, it’s about caring for our earth and each other.”
The community will host an end-of-month market on, Saturday 28 September, featuring stalls and also selling organic produce from the garden.
Rousseau also encourages locals to get involved by contributing donations or lending a hand in the garden. “This is a collective effort, and everyone is welcome. The more people contribute, the stronger our garden – and our community – will grow.”
The project has not only brought fresh, local produce to Plumstead but also become a symbol of transformation and cooperation, demonstrating the power of collective action in turning neglected spaces into sources of nourishment and connection.
