Chandler House’s green impact garden: where sustainability blossoms

Richard Jardine from the UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences reflects on the impact of the green garden at Chandler House. 

Welcome to Chandler House, where sustainability and creativity converge to create a remarkable green space. Carefully cultivated by the dedicated staff and students, this garden has transformed from modest beginnings into a sanctuary of wellbeing, biodiversity, and even an engaging chili-growing challenge.

From Office Discards to Blooming Beauty

The story of Chandler House’s garden began with a sustainable twist. Old office bins found new life as plant pots. But the recycling endeavour didn’t stop there; resourceful minds also repurposed old shelves, wooden pallets, and even former oil drums, turning them into unique and functional planters.

A Collaborative Endeavor

The individuals behind this thriving garden are the dedicated staff and students of Chandler House. Together, they’ve created a garden that features a mix of wildflowers, bedding plants, acers, herbs, ferns, and the occasional sunflower. After all, who can resist the charm of a sunflower?

A Haven for Wildlife

This green haven isn’t just for people; it’s also a magnet for wildlife. Insects and a variety of bird species have found a welcoming home here, including blue tits, starlings, blackbirds, sparrows, and magpies. The garden has become a harmonious ecosystem, proving that nature can coexist within the heart of the city.

Bug Hotel by the Library Staff

To make the garden even more welcoming to critters, the library staff added a bug hotel. It’s not just a spot for students and researchers to enjoy; it’s also a haven for the tiniest guests.

A Wellbeing Retreat

Beyond its visual appeal, Chandler House’s garden offers a much-needed break from screens and the hustle and bustle of university life. It’s a therapeutic escape for gardening enthusiasts and a calming experience for anyone who takes a moment to tend to the plants.

A Window to Nature

The garden doesn’t just enhance the exterior space; it also transforms the view from the glass atrium windows, offering everyone inside a peaceful, natural view.

PALS Green Day Extravaganza and Richard’s Chili Challenge

The annual PALS Green Day is a highlight on Chandler House’s calendar. In 2023, it added an engaging twist to its eco-friendly initiatives. Staff and students were encouraged to use recycled pots for planting chili seeds. Hasan, from the Bedford Way cafe, added to the excitement by offering a free drink to successful chili growers. Additionally, these homegrown chilies would be incorporated into the cafe’s dishes. Richard Jardine, an enthusiastic participant, walked into the cafe with his chili harvest recently to get his cup of coffee.

Looking Ahead to 2024

The good news is that 2024 promises even more exciting activities. Keep an eye out for Green Day announcements, whether it’s growing more chilies or embarking on another unique project. Chandler House continues to be an exciting place to be!

Join the Green Team

For those eager to make a difference, Chandler House invites you to join the PALS Green Impact team. It’s a fantastic way to help plan green events, brainstorm innovative ideas, and contribute to a greener world. Interested? Just send an email to John Draper or visit the Green Impact website for more information.

Awards and Accolades

For the record, PALS has held the title of the greenest department at UCL for a decade. It’s a testament to their commitment to sustainability.

So, the next time you find yourself at Chandler House, take look at the remarkable Green Impact garden. It’s proof that when old office items meet innovative minds, something extraordinary can bloom, leaving you more connected to the world around you!