Beneficial Gardens: Turning Grey Spaces into Vibrant Community Hubs

For over two decades, Craigie Plaza had been marred by the uninviting sight of a grey stark carpark with weedy sand dunes and desolate trees. Internally shops were dark and empty with a sense of
negative grey in the center.

However, after years of persistent efforts to transform this space into something more, a breakthrough finally came in 2020 with the arrival of new owners who were receptive to a new vision.
With the owners on board, a beautiful garden was meticulously developed, transforming the barren landscape into one bursting with life. The once harsh edges and dreary margins were softened by vibrant greenery and splashes of color. Today, every shop is leased, the plaza has been rejuvenated, bustling with a vibrant community and a car park that is consistently filled with visitors.

Looking towards the future, our goal at Beneficial Gardens is to continue engaging the community in this revitalized space. Despite having a limited budget for planting and development, we are committed to carefully selecting local plant species that not only provide aesthetic beauty but also serve practical purposes. From nectar-producing plants to support pollinators, to plants suitable for propagation and nutrition, and even those with seeds for collecting and sharing, we are striving to create a garden that gives back to the community.
As part of our commitment to community engagement, we plan to offer weekend tours and classes to educate and empower individuals about sustainable food and medicinal systems. These activities aim to foster a deeper connection between community members and the garden, ensuring its ongoing care and success. We believe that by sharing knowledge, we can inspire others to embrace sustainable practices and create positive change in their own lives.

If you are seeking to transform a negative grey space into a vibrant community hub like Craigie Plaza, we invite you to contact Beneficial Gardens. Let us help you breathe new life into your surroundings, fostering a sense of community, and creating a space that not only delights the eye but also nourishes the soul.
Together, let's turn grey into green, and bring back the joy and vitality to our urban spaces.
Contact Beneficial Gardens today and let us assist you in creating a thriving and sustainable community hub. We look forward to working with you.

Sincerely Paul Lambert
Email: beneficialgardens@gmail.com