WARA (Wolverton Avenue Residents Association) is a local community group in Kingston-upon-Thames. The aim of this group is to keep their local area neat, tidy and colourful, while getting residents and local kids to join in and help.

This week, we're at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival! To celebrate the local charities we work with, we've spoken to a key member of the WARA association to learn all about their charity and how they help their local community!

1. What is the key goal of the group? 

To improve the environment of Wolverton Avenue to the benefit of all residents and passers-by.

2. How did the group come to work with J Parker’s?

WARA adopted seven planters in the Avenue, all of which had to be reconstructed and planted. There was a shortage of planting material, so I contacted Parker’s, a company with an excellent reputation that was well known to me. The response was fantastic – Parker’s promptly supplied, free of charge, a wide variety of spring and summer bulbs.

3. What does the group find to be its biggest challenges?

Wolverton Avenue has always been used as a “rat run” between two major roads by cars and lorries. Indeed, the structure (and some of the planting) of the planter at the entrance to the Avenue has frequently been seriously damaged by vehicles.The problem is worse now due to the closure of a parallel,” rat run” road and hence we are experiencing twice the traffic.

In addition, the nearby hospital and railway station result in a lot of litter in the planters.

4. Favourite plants within its planting schemes for local conditions?

A successful planting scheme for planters requires various plants to give all year-round interest. However, the plants that are responsible for raising the spirits after a long dark Winter are the Spring bulbs: the blaze of colour always brings a smile and a spring to one's step.

5. Top tips for gardening in climatic conditions as they evolve?

Some watering is inevitable even if one has drought-resistant plants. Frequent light watering is not recommended as the water quickly evaporates and surface rooting is encouraged. Give thorough, but less frequent watering (to the soil and roots not to the foliage), so that the water soaks well into the soil: water will be retained, and roots will be encouraged to go to greater depths.

6. What are they looking forward to most about Hampton Court or their favourite memories of the show over the years?

I have exhibited and worked at both Chelsea and Hampton Court Shows. I am looking forward to walking around the show and seeing the latest garden designs and recent floral introductions (perhaps meeting some old acquaintances). 


Find out more about our appearance at RHS Hampton Court Palace Plant Festival here, from our stall to activities you can do around the festival.