1. Why does Eastridge seem to have so many different garden styles?

The simple answer is imagination. Over the years, ideas for beach gardens, wildlife spaces, woodland planting and hidden corners all found their way into the garden. While the result became difficult to manage, the vision behind it was always full of creativity. Part of this project is bringing those ideas together into something practical, welcoming and sustainable.

2. What is the Tub Graveyard?

The Tub Graveyard is a temporary home for the many plant pots collected across the property. It helps protect and organise them while decisions are made about where they belong. Some will stay, some will move on, and some may be sold to help fund future garden improvements.

3. What are the plans for the greenhouse?

The greenhouse is being restored as a working growing space. The aim is to improve light levels, repair damaged areas and create somewhere that feels productive and hopeful once again. Like much of Eastridge, it is less about perfection and more about giving something a second chance.

4. Why are you redesigning the car park?

A good welcome starts before someone reaches the garden. The current layout can feel awkward and cramped, so future improvements will focus on creating better access, a clearer sense of arrival and a softer transition between the practical and natural areas of Eastridge.

5. Who was Enton and why is there an Enton’s Garden?

Enton was my father’s first guide dog and remains one of the most special dogs he has ever known. Even today, he talks about Enton with a depth of affection that stands apart from the many stories of later guide dogs. Enton’s Garden has become a place of experimentation and learning, where ideas can be tested, adapted and hopefully inspire other areas across Eastridge.

6. What makes Enton’s Garden important to the wider project?

More than anything, it is a trial area. Different approaches can be explored on a small scale before being introduced elsewhere. The goal is to discover simple, affordable ideas that create maximum impact without requiring large budgets or complicated maintenance.

7. What is the Secret Garden?

The Secret Garden is intentionally uncomplicated. It is designed as a quiet place for reflection, conversation or simply sitting still for a while. In a world that often encourages us to keep moving, this space exists as a reminder that rest is sometimes productive too.

8. What’s happening with the pond area?

The pond is currently one of the biggest challenges on the site. Years of growth have transformed it into a project of its own. While the final design is still evolving, the vision includes creating a welcoming space where people can gather, relax, enjoy an evening campfire and celebrate the small successes that happen along the way.

9. How does Eastridge connect with Moor Mountain Grow?

Eastridge reflects many of the same values that sit at the heart of Moor Mountain Grow. It is about learning through doing, building confidence through practical projects, spending meaningful time outdoors and recognising that growth rarely happens overnight. Whether we’re restoring a greenhouse or restoring confidence, the principles are remarkably similar.

10. Is Eastridge really a gardening project?

Not entirely. The garden provides the setting, but the project is really about people, wellbeing, resilience and purpose. It acknowledges the realities of dementia and mental health challenges while demonstrating that progress often comes from small, consistent actions. Around a campfire, beside a pond, or while clearing a neglected corner, Eastridge and Moor Mountain Grow share the same belief: growth happens one step at a time.

Eastridge Ethos

“This isn’t a story about creating the perfect garden. It’s about honouring a vision, adapting to changing circumstances, and finding purpose in the process. Like any worthwhile journey, progress comes one pot, one path and one conversation at a time.” 🌱🔥