BEHOLD, THE HANGING GARDENS OF…HARINGEY

They may be regular contenders in the annual Overground in Bloom contest but for colleagues at South Tottenham station, there is a bigger prize on offer.

Since the first small planting area was created almost a decade ago, the floral displays have increased in size and variety. An area at the back of the station has also been transformed into a garden, producing fruit and veg as well as a splash of colour.

In recent years it has earned South Tottenham several awards in Overground in Bloom, but what makes colleagues most proud is how the displays have captured the imagination of customers and local residents.

“It’s become a real talking point,” said station assistant Azaz Khan. “Customers take time to stop and look, and always say it brightens up their day. They ask questions and take a real interest. It’s created a real community spirit here.”

Vegetable garden

Azaz and fellow station assistant Ray McDonagh play a key role in maintaining the station’s greenery – often in their own time.

“We wanted to brighten up the station,” explained Ray. “The area also has a reputation for anti-social behaviour so we thought this might help in a small way. We started with a few flowers at the front and people immediately commented on it, so we kept going.”

The team then landscaped an area behind the station. One regular customer, a keen gardener, offered advice and ideas, while a bakery nearby provided wooden pallets which the team converted into fencing and planters.

“We began donating plants to help teach children about the environment,” said Ray. “That led to someone at the school helping us develop a vegetable garden where pupils could grow leeks, carrots, onions and strawberries. A lot of families around here live in high rise flats, so this is a great opportunity for them.

“There’s a completely different atmosphere here now and a real sense that we are achieving something.”

Share with the community

While Ray has always had an interest in gardening, Azaz was not green-fingered at all before discovering a passion for plant care.

“There’s a real sense of satisfaction you get from seeing something grow, and seeing other people take enjoyment from that,” said Azaz, who is particularly proud of the station’s dahlia ‘moonfire’ blooms.

This summer’s heatwave has made keeping blooms healthy a real challenge, while another threat has come from foxes, who appear to have taken a shine to the beds – trampling them as they pass through.

“It’s annoying but they are obviously enjoying it as much as everyone else,” joked Azaz.