Back in Spring CFGN went to meet grower Poppy at the Queens Wood Cafe community garden in Muswell Hill as part of the mapping project of community food activities in London.   Spring was in full swing and blue bells had just exploded through the litter layer of the woods- a subtle reminder of the effect of green space in the city after a tube journey and walk along the main road.

The garden began in 1998 at the same time the derelict lodge building was brought back to life as the Queens Wood Cafe.  Behind the cafe and in an enclave of trees the former lodge keeper’s garden was found and a well nurtured healthy soil.  During the visit a number of woods walkers took solace on the benches in the garden to read, sit, and observe the activities of the horticultural space and wildlife.

The permaculture garden was thriving with a fruit tree terrace, pond life, glass house and a diverse planting list of tomatoes, salads, cucumbers, courgettes, onions, kale, beans, chard + more!

Income is made through plant sales, and all food produced goes to the cafe and to volunteers.  The project has just added an aquaponics system- which you can read about in the July edition of ‘The Plot’.

Thanks to Poppy for the tour and participating in the mapping project which will be launched at the Calthorpe Project, Kings Cross, on the 19th September 2-5pm.

Volunteer sessions are Mondays and Thursdays 9.30am – 1.30pm.  To find out more see the Queens Wood garden website and contact queenswoodcafegarden@gmail.com