Grow2Know CIC is a non-profit focused on empowering young people through horticulture whilst also creating a more inclusive environment aiming to showcase the power in knowledge surrounding nature – planting seeds in the minds of young people & giving them the necessary tools to make a positive impact in their communities. We aim to break the mould on the stereotypes of what it is like to be a gardener/what a gardener may look like, creating a more inclusive environment. We feel that gardening is a pretty cool thing to do & it is our mission to exhibit just how cool it is.
Grow2Know was created by members of the community surrounding Grenfell Tower, North Kensington, with the hope to try & bring positivity into a time of such trauma. We unified by greening up spaces in the local area, on the search for tranquillity in times of such adversity. Community members were able to express themselves through nature, creating life from darkness.
Grow2Know came to be, organically, through experiencing the vast amounts of positive impacts nature had on the lives of many people in a time of grief & pain – no matter their background. Nature can be one of the biggest healers whilst also stimulating reflection. It is our aspiration to create a legacy based on growth as individuals, & as a community.
Grow2Know was created by members of the community surrounding Grenfell Tower, North Kensington, with the hope to try & bring positivity into a time of such trauma. We unified by greening up spaces in the local area, on the search for tranquillity in times of such adversity. Community members were able to express themselves through nature, creating life from darkness.
Grow2Know came to be, organically, through experiencing the vast amounts of positive impacts nature had on the lives of many people in a time of grief & pain – no matter their background. Nature can be one of the biggest healers whilst also stimulating reflection. It is our aspiration to create a legacy based on growth as individuals, & as a community.
Hands off my Mangrove
RHS Chelsea Show Garden 2022 Awarded Silver Gilt
The structure is a 4-metre-tall, deforested Mangrove sculpture with nine bare roots – one each in honour of a defendant from the trial, and also serving as a stark reminder of the impact of humankind on the world’s most important ecosystems, including mangroves. The work, guided by sustainability considerations , is made repurposed concretereinforcing steel bar and is designed to be light and easily put together
“Hands Off Mangrove by Grow2Know’ garden is being relocated as a Grow2Know community garden in North Kensington. the site selected is just streets away from the site of the original Mangrove Restaurant where the Mangrove Nine met. The team is currently consulting with local residents on the final plans for the relocated garden to ensure it meets their needs and aspirations.
“Hands Off Mangrove by Grow2Know’ garden is being relocated as a Grow2Know community garden in North Kensington. the site selected is just streets away from the site of the original Mangrove Restaurant where the Mangrove Nine met. The team is currently consulting with local residents on the final plans for the relocated garden to ensure it meets their needs and aspirations.
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Morley Heart Gardens,
Rob Olins was part of the team that workshops that involve clearing, planting and making. This pilot gardening scheme - constructed on the former tarmac surface of the old car park at the the North Kensington Centre, a local college, The Garden provides insect hotels, bat boxes and ponds to attract a greater diversity of wildlife and it was all done in 3 weeks!
This projects proved a great success and in May 2021 we will re-create the ‘Grow to Know’ garden at Chelsea Flower Show, to include a realistic rendering of the original urban fabric of the site where the original garden is established
This projects proved a great success and in May 2021 we will re-create the ‘Grow to Know’ garden at Chelsea Flower Show, to include a realistic rendering of the original urban fabric of the site where the original garden is established
Some of the team, Left to right
Hannah Jones North Kensington Centre,
Tayshan Hayden-Smith Director of Grow2Know,
Danny Clarke, The Black Gardener and presenter of Instant Gardener
Hannah Jones North Kensington Centre,
Tayshan Hayden-Smith Director of Grow2Know,
Danny Clarke, The Black Gardener and presenter of Instant Gardener