From a simple patch of land to an award-winning green space, the Wyndham Park garden has become the heart of the community. Residents come here to relax, make friends, and enjoy nature – and have shared it's great for their mental health too.
Bursting with blooming flowers and fresh vegetables in the spring, it’s a favourite spot for many who love spending time in the garden, being outdoors and connecting with neighbours.
Vyvyenne, our resident and garden volunteer, reflects on the space’s growth and the sense of community it brings: “It’s evolved quite a lot in the last few years as more and more people come and sit here, including people who live in the flats who don’t have gardens.
“Socialised tension is reduced by being able to come here and make friends from sitting here – especially during Covid.
“We get more and more people come and help us and we have around six volunteers that come here… it’s a lovely garden.
“I recognise how important it is to make a community and have lots of people involved in it so we have made lots of friends.
“Gardening especially is great for your mental health because you can while away an hour thinking about nothing except plants, and personally because my husband is poorly, I spend a lot of time in the garden… I love it.”
Proud of the garden and all its achieved, Vyvyenne also highlights its impressive track record of awards over the years.
Gifted to residents by LiveWest in 2016, it has been beautifully transformed from a simple patch of land into a thriving community space.
Vyvyenne continues: “Since 2016 we have always won something in Yeovil in Bloom, but over the last three years, we got the plaque for best overall community garden.
“In the last few years, it's always been the gold or the plaque, and we’ve won the inter neighbourhood award from the Royal Horticultural Society too.”
Looking ahead, the community is keen to inspire younger generations. They are partnering with the local primary school to create a mural called ‘Hands Across the Community’ to display the children’s artwork in the garden.
Shona Stone, our Community Connector for the area reflected on the project, she said: “It’s great to see that an unusually shaped piece of land which didn't have much purpose before, being turned into a beautiful community garden the whole community can benefit from.
“The hard work which the Wyndham Park community have put into this garden, shines through when you spend some time enjoying the space. It’s so lovely to see.”