Tenants and local residents have come together to improve their local community through a new gardening group working to bring new life to a community garden which had fallen into disrepair.

Working in partnership with Balgrayhill United Tenants Association (BUTA) and staff from local housing association ng homes and their subsidiary ng2, a gardening group cleared the area of weeds and rubbish then cleaned and repaired the wall, ready for the project.

Dreams of a mural soon came to life as the group, along with the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, Glasgow (AUGB Glasgow) and ng homes transformed the space into a lively mural, supported by artists Vira Sobchuk and Dariia Rudneva (AUGB Glasgow children’s art studio).

The work didn’t stop there, however, as members got to work transforming the space next to the mural with planters filled with flowers and other landscaping, bringing the space to life.

The corner is now a lively and cosy community garden and a gathering place for the local community.

Oleksandra Kyrylova (BUTA Community Team) said: “It’s been incredible to see neighbours come together and turn a forgotten corner into something colourful and full of life. The mural and garden make people smile when they pass by, and it shows what can be achieved when the community and partners work together” 

BUTA, a tenant-led focus group supported by staff from ng homes, expressed interest in opportunities to get involved in their local community. The gardening group then utilised links to local groups to source supplies, including the planters (from Springburn Park Men’s Shed), and access expert advice to design a successful urban garden.

Kateryna Campbell, Chair, AUGB Glasgow praised efforts saying "At AUGB Glasgow we do our best to support newly arrived Ukrainians, and being part of this project felt truly special to us”.

“For those involved, it was like creating a piece of their homeland in the place they now live – a space they can nurture, look after, and grow with love and care. Initiatives like this are so important in bringing communities together, reducing social isolation, and creating a real sense of purpose and belonging. We are delighted that this beautiful corner will now brighten the area and the lives of those around it."

Catherine Rossine, ng homes Chair, added, “We’re delighted to see the transformation of the space with a beautiful mural and garden now in place. Well done to everyone who has taken part in the transformation, and we look forward to seeing this space come to life”.