Success of the project has led to expansion plans as well as fundraising for Dove House
A once-neglected patch of land in Hull has been transformed into a vibrant community garden. Thanks to the dedication of local resident Maria Pearce and a team of volunteers, the area of Melbourne Street, off Newland Avenue, has well and truly blossomed.
Since February, Maria has worked tirelessly to bring the space to life – laying grass seed, planting trees and flowers, and creating a colourful rockery garden with hand-painted stones contributed by local children. With guidance from local resident Eileen Harland, who helped install fencing and shared her gardening knowledge, the garden has helped instil a sense of community and pride in the neighbourhood.
The garden is now a hub of activity and learning. Children help water the plants and residents take part in monthly street cleans, leading to a noticeable reduction in antisocial behaviour, fly-tipping, and vermin. Lights installed around the garden also make it a safe and welcoming space, even after dark.
Maria said: “We started the garden to tackle anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping. We were also overrun with vermin.
“It’s been a combined effort, everyone has pitched in and donated things to create a nice space for everybody to enjoy – so we can sit here in the sun, catch up, and the children can play safely. We are really happy with what we have all achieved.
“We started just as a communal garden, but it has extended to educating people – to make it a safer, greener, and cleaner place to live.” As well as educating local residents and children, Maria has installed dog poo bags, and bin liners to the trees so that everyone can dispose of their litter responsibly.
Maria said: “Now it is about maintaining the area and ensuing everyone is respectful. We are not going to accept any sort of fly-tipping or anti-social behaviour now.”
The success of the Melbourne Street community garden has inspired further growth, with Maltings Property Management, owner of the piece of land in Melbourne Street, offering Maria additional land in Raglan Street to expand the initiative. Maria has also launched The Melbourne Monthly, a newsletter to keep residents informed and engaged.
Further, the project continues to raise funds for Dove House Hospice, with a community sale planned outside Sainsbury’s, Newland Avenue, today (Saturday, August 9). Maria’s efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Anna, a local resident and volunteer, said: “Maria made it beautiful from very bad. Before Maria’s hard work this place didn’t look very nice. Now we see loads of children playing out and it feels so much safer.”
Clare, another resident and volunteer, said: “My daughter loves it. As soon as we park up she wants to go and see the garden. I only moved in two years ago and the change has been amazing.”
Hull City Council’s Love Your Street team first discovered the garden while working in the Newland area. It has supported its development by providing litter-picking equipment and supplies.
Love Your Street continues to empower communities to take ownership and improve their surroundings. Councillor Jack Haines, portfolio holder for communications and communities, said: “This garden is a symbol of what can be achieved when a community comes together.
“Maria’s story is a powerful reminder that with a little care and collaboration, even the most overlooked spaces can flourish.” For more information about Love Your Street and how to get involved, visit Love Your Street – Hull.