Central London’s first Edible Trail planted on Pavilion Road
Peter Oates was thrilled to work with Cadogan Estates on their Pavilion Road project with the inaugural 'Edible Trail,' enticing both residents and visitors to engage in foraging adventures while relishing sustainably cultivated produce. The initiative aimed to inspire people to cultivate their own crops, tapping into the growing trend of micro-gardening and the well-being associated with nurturing greenery.
The Edible Trail, designed by Peter Oates, Head of Gardens across the Cadogan Estate, was planned to transform with the changing seasons, serving as an educational platform and encouraging people to embark on their own gardening journeys. At the entrance of Pavilion Road, an exquisitely hand-painted map of the trail, crafted by illustrator Claire Spake, greeted visitors. Each planter displayed a brass plaque bearing a QR code. Scanning this code with a smartphone would provide valuable insights about the planted crops, along with recipes and gardening tips.
During the summer, the Edible Trail boasted a variety of seasonal delights for visitors to savor:
Heritage plants like the Chelsea fig.
Seasonal fruits thriving in the local climate, including Riesling grapevines, blueberries, apples, pears, blackberries, and strawberries.
"Recipe pots," featuring delectable creations like the "pear and berry crumble pot," complete with all the ingredients needed to craft the perfect crumble filling.
Flavored green tea pots, comprising Camelia Sinensis (tea plant) and other elements like mint and chamomile, ideal for making infusions.
A wide array of herbs and spices to tantalize the senses.
Ready-planted pineapples, pomegranate bushes, and banana trees.
The Edible Trail demonstrated a commitment to environmental consciousness by using no plastic pots, peat-free compost, and sustainable plant feed in the form of mulch. Furthermore, the compost used for the fruit was derived from wool and bracken. Rainwater collected in tanks beneath the road supplied the water needed to nourish the various plants, contributing to the initiative's sustainability credentials.
Hugh Seaborn, CEO at Cadogan, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "As the neighborhood's epicenter of artisanal food, Pavilion Road plays a pivotal role in fostering Chelsea's unique sense of community. Its traders elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary with their expertise, ensuring that shopping here is an absolute pleasure. The 'Edible Trail' enhances this experience, adding another layer of discovery and inspiration. It's a delight to witness Pavilion Road now fully realized and flourishing."
Peter added, "There are numerous compelling reasons to embrace the fundamentals of gardening, including sustainability, addressing climate change, and the satisfaction of growing your own. Given the surging popularity of micro-gardening in London and the associated well-being benefits, we sought to introduce something to Pavilion Road that would encourage visitors to reconnect with nature and perhaps consider cultivating their own greenery, even if only on a windowsill or balcony."
