Long-term venue uncertainty cast a cloud as a multigenerational LGBTQ+ gardening group celebrated their annual open day on Sunday 14 September.
Rainbow Grow‘s garden has been based at Hackney CVS since 2018, but changes in opening hours since the Covid-19 pandemic mean the group can only access the garden in the day time and fewer people can get involved.
The organisation, believed to be the UK’s first LGBTQ+ gardening group, faces an uncertain future too as the site they currently occupy is to be replaced with flats. Rainbow Grow coordinator Clair Battaglino revealed their inner-city base makes it difficult to find a new location for their activities.
She said: “We don’t own the land – this space may be used for infill.
“We’re starting to look for another place, but in an area as built-up as Hackney, it’s not easy.”
The garden has had a profound impact for many of Rainbow Grow’s members, one of whom wished to remain anonymous, spoke of the role of the garden in his recovery from fleeing domestic abuse.
Another, named Dan, suffered with burnout and had to leave work, and sees the garden as a sanctuary.
The 33-year-old found the group through a sexual health clinic and has appreciated “doing something hands-on”.
Young mother Olivia Tattarletti became involved in the group when she moved to a flat with a small balcony and saw a talk advertised about growing in small spaces.
She has been involved for six years and is concerned about the limbo the group finds itself in.
Tattarletti said: “We have identified a few sites, but have not made the moves to contact anyone yet.”
Both Battaglino and Tattarletti emphasised the need for the garden to retain its identity and base when the move takes place, with the recent open day emphasing what makes it unique.
The event was a family affair, with children running around and enjoying the garden which has been made specifically to be accessible to as many people as possible by raising gardening beds for wheelchair access and for those who struggle to bend.
Battaglino brought homemade items all made from Hackney, Dalston and Hoxton products, and courgette cakes, apple tarts, mirabelle plum jam and scones were enjoyed, as were items from donor Crosstown Donuts.
This was the first time the Hackney Community Singers choir had performed at the event and they did two sets, singing a selection of folk songs and a version of Labi Siffre’s God Bless the Telephone.
The group started from Battaglino’s desire to found a group “not dependent on drinking or dancing”, and for people to share their skills in gardening.
Members meet around three times a month and sessions are arranged via their WhatsApp group.
The group organise social events for members to get involved in as well.
Last month saw them visit the British museum, while they also visited the gardening museum and went to Kew Gardens for their light show.
Feature image credit: Becca Healy
Join the discussion