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Juana Roa Torres receiving Award
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Juana’s garden skill is no mystery
IT was a barren strip of wasteland on an Islington housing estate which had been transformed into a lush oasis and earmarked for a major prize. But who was the mystery gardener?
Five years ago, Juana Roa Torres planted the first seedlings in the rubbish-filled gravel pit next to her flat in Cedar Court, off Essex Road.
Now the plot is flourishing with fuchsias, hostas, Japanese maples and ferns. All wood and stone in the garden has been recycled and every plant has been taken from cuttings.
Judges for this year’s Islington in Bloom competition were so impressed they awarded the plot first prize for Best Forgotten Corner. The site also won a certificate of excellence from London in Bloom.
But they had no idea who created the garden and were unable to find out in time for the awards ceremony.
Meanwhile Juana had no idea she had won – or that a hunt was under way to track her down.
The 40-year-old dressmaker said: “I grew up in Spain in an orchard with tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, fruits and beans, so I love greenery, but I’m certainly no gardening expert. I only started doing this when one of my neighbours moved out and left an old fork and trowel behind.”
Councillor Barbara Smith, executive member for housing and community safety, nominated the garden and managed eventually to track down Juana to hand her the prize (pictured above). She said: “This just shows what you can do with a bit of forgotten land, and transform it into something really special. There are some wonderful gardens on our housing estates, and I’m thrilled that this has been recognised.” |
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