COMMUNITY PROJECT
The Anywhere Courtyard in Grimsby
Following its Silver-Gilt medal at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024, The Anywhere Courtyard was permanently relocated to Creative Start Arts in Health CIC at The Great Escape in the Port of Grimsby.
The garden became the first green space within this historic industrial dockland setting and has since become part of the wider transformation of the old makers yard into a welcoming community space.
THE DESIGN IDEA
A courtyard designed to adapt
The Anywhere Courtyard was originally conceived as a compact garden that could bring planting, shade and a sense of retreat into hard urban environments where a conventional garden may not be possible.
Its raised planting, layered vegetation and adaptable structure allow the idea to respond to different locations while retaining the same principles: introducing greenery, creating habitat, softening hard surfaces and giving people somewhere planted to spend time.
Its move from Chelsea to Grimsby put that idea into practice, taking a temporary show garden and giving it a lasting role within a community setting.
AFTER CHELSEA
A garden with a new life
The move to Grimsby gave The Anywhere Courtyard a permanent home and allowed the ideas behind the original garden to continue beyond the flower show.
Trees, layered planting and raised beds introduced greenery into a predominantly brick and concrete setting, creating a softer place within the former industrial yard.
Members, volunteers and supporters have become involved in caring for the planting and developing the surrounding space, allowing the garden to continue changing and becoming established over time.
A place to gather and pause
The courtyard is now used as a calm place for conversation and reflection, as well as a setting for community activity and larger events.
This combination is an important part of what the garden has become. It offers somewhere green and restorative to spend time, while also contributing to a space where people can meet, take part in activities and come together.
URBAN GREENING
Greening the docklands
Before the courtyard arrived, the makers yard was dominated by hard surfaces. Introducing trees and perennial planting brought new layers of colour, texture and seasonal change into the space, creating a greener environment for people and pollinators.
