The grounds of the Westway stretch far and wide. From near the Westbourne Studios in the East to Westway Sports Centre in the West, the train line stopping us in our tracks. The Westway Green Community tend 3.5 acres of public green space including 270+ trees comprising of nearly 60 different varieties.
The flagship garden, Portobello Green is inspired by the rich local diversity. The feel of the Caribbean and North Africa can be felt in the harshest of winters. The planting has a strong architectural backbone, which supports the guest stars which flower throughout the year. Spring heralds the start of fresh lush growth, stemming from a variety of colours courtesy of 'Messers Tuilp', 'Narcissus', Allium' and 'Fritillaria'.
In summer the Banana’s unfurl alongside the 'Cannas', although not edible a short stroll across the green leads you to one rarity that exist within this vibrant Green, the 'Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana)', which has flowers that are not only exotic in appearance but utterly tasty transporting brave foragers to a ‘totally topical taste’. Of course not everything is edible and none more so then the deadly and gargantuan 'Ricinus communis' whose growth never seems to stop. These are raised by seed collected from the plant and grown in our own glasshouse.
Maxilla Gardens are the scene of our locally famous annual bonfire and firework spectacular! The evening is free and incredibly well attended. Amongst the fire breathers and Alien forms on tall stilts, you will see the community coming together in an area which is all about creativity. Providing the backdrop is a much talked about art installation in close quarters with the RBKC’s Maxilla College Campus.
'Blossomdale' which partly wraps around the Westway Sports Centre is best marvelled at during spring. That is not to say the rest of the year goes without drama, the 'Tree Echiums' which self seed readily in London’s microclimate tower skywards in soft violet. This is an area, like so many which benefits from the Westway Green Community’s attention.