From Eyesore to Oasis: How a Semilong resident turned a derelict urban space into a vibrant community garden

May 27, 2025

by Sarah Becker

What once was a neglected cut-through strewn with bottles, needles and graffiti in Semilong is now blossoming into a vibrant community garden —thanks to the determination of local resident, Louise Troy.

Every day on her way to work, the former English teacher would pass a patch of land on Semilong Road, that made her sad.

“It wasn’t just the derelict space—it was the children’s park next to it. There was drug dealing, antisocial behaviour, smashed bottles, and graffiti. I couldn’t stop thinking about how it was being wasted. I knew I had to do something.”

In this audio clip, Louise shares her story of a community-led effort to combat fly-tipping in Semilong.

Fuelled by frustration and a growing sense of purpose, Louise turned her despair into action. Teaching her students about the power of green spaces—and how access to nature can actually improve mortality rates—her own personal journey to green space began with that very corner of Semilong Road.

She reached out to Jody Mitchell from Our Little Land, who suggested the plot at the bottom of Semilong Road could become something beautiful. With support from her neighbour Beth Sher and a grant of just £700 from Northampton Town Council, the vision of a community garden began to take root.

Louise Troy

An artists paints a bird on a wall. — Photo: Jack Savage

The project kicked off with a paintbrush. A team of volunteers began by brightening up a graffiti-covered fence and decorating tyre planters.

Environmental group Transition Towns and Northants Litter Wombles joined the effort, helping to clear the area of rubbish, bottles and graffiti from the site. Though the idea had its roots in Lockdown, it wasn’t until 2024 that things really started to take shape.

“A lot of work went into initially clearing the rubbish,” Louise said. “Then we divided the land into eight sections, each separated by archways that will eventually be covered in climbing plants.

“It was really important that we wanted the garden to be child-centred and appeal to children; that’s why we decided to create themed sections.

“Our aim was to create a garden that would uplift anyone walking by — something beautiful enough to stop fly-tippers and litterers in their tracks and make them think twice.

“As the project continued, more and more people came on board and donated their time, efforts and resources into creating the vibrant space. It has really brought people together in a constructive way.”

The garden is not just for children, but for everyone.

The general public were invited to a seed-scattering event last Saturday to help fill the urban space with blooms and to admire the vibrant space.

Councillor Farzana Aldridge for Kingsley and Semilong Ward, who attended the community event said: “The Green Spaces Garden Initiative has transformed a neglected, unsightly space at the end of Semilong Road into a beautiful garden to be enjoyed by residents of Semilong of all ages. I have supported and watched with interest the leadership and sheer determination shown by Lou Troy, supported by other local residents to achieve this success. It shows that community led initiatives can be hugely successful in creating a real sense of pride in a local area. As the councillor for the Kingsley and Semilong Ward, I intend to promote such initiatives across Semilong.”

The work isn’t finished yet, Louise went on to explain.

“The garden is going to be open to different volunteer groups, and from 1pm on Friday afternoons, anyone can come down and lend a hand,” she explained. “We’ll also be running workshops and events for the local community.”

Thanks to further funding from Eat Grow Cook, a project run by the Hope Centre, the team was able to take part in a horticultural course that has broadened their knowledge and skills. “It’s been incredibly beneficial,” Louise said. “We’re learning as we go, and we want to share these skills with the wider community.”

Two tyres are painted pink and filled with plants — Photo: Jack Savage

Though the garden is still a work in progress—with a grow patch still to be completed—the vision is clear: to create a space where people can connect, learn, and grow together.

“This space has gone from being somewhere people avoided to somewhere full of possibility,” she said. “It just shows what can happen when people come together and decide to care.”