A community garden in Fulham is growing into a peaceful oasis while commemorating former Hammersmith & Fulham Councillor Jenny Vaughan OBE.
Named Jenny's Corner, the garden project was unveiled with a special ceremony this week to dedicate the space to the much-loved consultant neurologist and councillor, who died in March 2024 aged 55.
Tucked away in a corner of Lillie Road Recreation Ground, local residents, charities, businesses and H&F Council are working together to turn the meeting place into a peaceful, safe and accessible green space.
"We want people to cherish the area," said Joan, project initiator and a keen gardener who has lived in nearby Lysia Street for the past 30 years.
"If we can all give something back, we can make something special for all of us. It's very peaceful and while the space is not very big, we can make a big impact. We can reimagine an underused area to design something that's really spectacular."
Moving tribute
Jenny's husband Matt Dunckley praised the garden project.
"Jenny devoted a lot of time locally, so it's fantastic that local people have come together to create this garden," he said. "She seemed to know everyone and so many people were impacted by her work as she was not only doing her full-time job, but also advocating for vulnerable people.
"Jenny always had an affinity with people in the margins and was determined to make sure everyone was fairly treated.
"It's comforting for us as a family to have her life commemorated and to hear the extraordinary stories of the impact Jenny had on people with her energy and passion."
Cllr Sharon Holder, H&F Cabinet Member for Public Realm, said:
Jenny was known for her dedication to local residents and the compassion she had for her patients. It's important we remember the individuals who worked to make H&F a borough for all and this new garden is a lovely way for Jenny's friends, family and community to keep her memory alive.
She brought a lot of happiness to people while alive and I hope this new meeting spot can continue to do that for anyone walking through the park. Make sure to stop by and take a look next time you're visiting."
Volunteer-led
The community garden team of local residents has been working with nearby charity The Creighton Centre, which supports older, Disabled and vulnerable people, to bring the project to life over the past year.
With its location close to charities Action on Disability and Age UK Hammersmith & Fulham, Joan adds the aim is for an accessible and safe sensory garden "to reduce social isolation for these groups and integrate them into a park community that is currently mainly able-bodied".
The garden project showcased its work so far during a naming event on Monday 3 March and is now looking for more volunteers to help add their creativity and dedication to the green space.
Helping people
The garden has been dedicated to Jenny's memory because of her strong connection to the local area.
She served as a H&F councillor between 1998 to 2006, first representing Walham, then Sands End, and was much loved by residents, said Joan.
"It's amazing how many people around here knew Jenny," she points out. "Jenny was right there with us, always helping people. We wanted to name the garden after someone who gave so much to the NHS and the local community."
Summer fete
A summer fete event is planned for Saturday 14 June to celebrate the transformation.
Set to be run as a snail themed event, the plan is to involve local schools with a snail painting art competition, as well as sharing tips and information on snails from a local expert.
Sprigs of rosemary will be handed out, representing Jenny's middle name and connection to the garden. Local band The Gazebo Bandits will perform alongside musicians, including Jenny's teenage son Chris on the drums.
