Seeds of change: cabbages and carrots could replace flowers in royal parks

Dig for Victory in St James’s Park’s
See larger photo here.

By Sam Jones
The Guardian, June 30 2008

Designed for the Prince Regent by the architect John Nash, Regent’s Park is noted for its lovingly tended blooms. But soon the flower beds of that – and other London royal parks – could make way for rows of humble carrots, cabbages and globe artichokes.

In a plan inspired by American cities, the royal parks are pondering the creation of a string of model allotments to give the public a living, ripening illustration of the virtues of growing your own fruit and vegetables.

“The royal parks’ role is not to have huge areas of land changed, but to act as a demonstration area to show what can be achieved,” said Colin Buttery, the parks’ chief executive. “We very much want to support the idea of people growing their food by doing small-scale demonstrations.”

Link to ‘Seeds of Change’ article here.

DIG FOR VICTORY: WAR ON WASTE
22 May – 30 September 2008

The Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms and The Royal Parks are promoting sustainability and recycling at a Second World War-themed allotment, open in St James’s Park from 22 May 2008.

Link to site here.

Park Veg: ‘Incorporate edibles in among the ornamental beds’

Listen to audio file here.