THE GARDEN PROJECT
Our volunteer-led project to transform the grounds of the Hall and the north side of Platt Fields Park.
The Platt Hall Garden is a volunteer-led project to develop the outdoor space that connects the Hall to Platt Fields Park. Created in partnership with the Friends of Platt Fields, the garden provides a dedicated group of local volunteers with a vital space for sharing life’s experiences and building physical and mental health, all while learning about plants and growing.
EVERY TUESDAY, 4 MARCH - 28 OCTOBER 2025
11AM-4PM
Open to anyone who lives or works in Rusholme, Moss Side, Fallowfield or Longsight. Drop in for as long or as little as you like.
All tools, gloves and training provided. Please wear covered shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty. There is a fully accessible toilet.
Please register as a volunteer and sign up for sessions
it's really helped me to heal. This is a place where I've been listened to and just accepted, and supported, and encouraged.”
Garden volunteer
Manchester Urban Diggers, our friends at Platt Fields Market Garden, provided a start-up scheme for the project in 2021 in the midst of lockdown. Since then, it has been shaped entirely by the interests and knowledge of the volunteers who come along, a collective effort where all donations are welcome and everything is found a home. Over the five years since the project began, the group have transformed what was an unused and neglected area behind the Hall into a sunlit sanctuary for the senses that is also enjoyed by other Platt Hall user groups, including Stay and Play families, Health & Wellbeing participants, local primary schools and ESOL groups.
Taking in areas all around the building, the Garden Project has several elements:
- The Walled Garden to the west and behind the Hall, including raised beds, flower borders and soft fruit area
- The Patchwork Garden, Lace Border, Coronation Fountain and meadow at the front of the Hall.
- The perimeter wall border, the area around the old Bowls Hut and the fruit orchard, all to the west of the Hall beyond the Walled Garden.
This project is about bringing people together across the neighbourhood, encouraging conversation and connection. We garden in all weathers, although we do have a gazebo to keep the rain off for tea breaks! We ask all volunteers to participate in a positive community way, respecting each other's life skills and experiences.
What can you expect to do?
There are tasks for all levels of mobility and experience. Some can be done seated at a table. Here are some of them:
- planting seeds
- weeding
- pruning and cutting back
- turning over compost
- sweeping up leaves
- litter picking around the Hall
There are opportunities to learn from gardener Dan Thomson and other volunteers about planting, propagating, fruit and vegetables, flowers and nature. Hot drinks, biscuits and chat are part of the day. The garden is shaped by the volunteers, so if you have ideas for development, come and talk to us. If you would like to donate plants or seeds to our project, bring them down to one of the sessions and we’ll find a space for them.
