Meanwhile Gardens: A Community Treasure Worth Saving

By Julia Vetsch

Nestled beside the Grand Union Canal in Westbourne, North Kensington lies Meanwhile Gardens, a quaint green space promoting inclusivity and unity between the borough’s residents. Only a few minutes walk from Paddington Arts, Meanwhile Gardens has been bringing character and charm to the North Kensington area for 49 years. To the casual passerby, this garden looks like an adorable space to gather with friends or take a stroll on a nice day — which it is — but the space actually represents a lot more than meets the eye. 

In 1976, a man named Jamie McCollough was determined to create a space that could unify the community in a time of inflation, unemployment, and nationwide blackouts. He had his sights set on an unoccupied, neglected plot of land situated in what was then one of the poorest areas in the country. Though the city had no plans for the land, McCollough struggled to gain permission to create the garden there. However, according to the Meanwhile Gardens website, the city council finally gave in to his persistent requests, telling him that the city may need the land back in the future, but “meanwhile”, McCollough could do what he wanted. 

Hence, the name “Meanwhile Gardens” was born. The decrepit plot of land that was once unloved and barren was transformed into a beautiful community space through the collective effort of people from all different religions, ages, classes, and races. Today, the gardens still serve as a symbol of inclusivity, community, and perseverance. While much of the area around Meanwhile Gardens (Portobello Road, for example) has been gentrified in a way that is untrue to its inhabitants, with chain restaurants, luxury housing, and expensive stores, the gardens continue to stay loyal to the values of the community. 

Today, I visited Meanwhile Gardens for myself, where I was immediately greeted by a sign explaining the gardens’ history. I meandered past the skate park and through a gorgeous tree-lined path to reach the heart of the gardens. Foliage surrounded a stream which ran down the center of the garden into a pond, above which there was a small wooden overlook. Flowers of all kinds bloomed in the bushes and the smell of springtime filled the air. Benches were intermittently placed along the trails and were occupied by couples, an old woman, and people who seemed to be taking their lunch break. It was a perfect place to spend a sunny day. 

I noticed a small plaque within one of the gardens that read “Welcome to the Moroccan Garden”, proclaiming that Al-Hasaniya Moroccan Women’s Centre has dedicated this particular garden to the residents of Kensington and Chelsea on behalf of the Moroccan community. This made it evident to me just how much connection and community Meanwhile Gardens invites. 

As inspiring a story as it is, Meanwhile Gardens is still not permanent. Though Meanwhile Gardens has served as a community space for decades, and is constantly maintained by volunteers who care for it, a lease still hasn’t been secured. The Meanwhile Gardens website claims that the city council is likely hoping to drive them out to replace the gardens with flats, gentrifying one of the last authentic spaces in the region. The Meanwhile Gardens community is currently campaigning to secure a lease, keep the gardens alive, and continue to promote community and inclusivity for all who seek it in North Kensington.