Hulme Community Garden Centre (HCGC), a cherished green haven in the heart of Manchester, will hold a special celebration to mark its 25th anniversary. Taking place on Saturday, 5th July, this milestone event promises a day filled with festivities, community spirit, and reflection on a quarter-century of growth, learning, and connection.

Since its founding in 2000, HCGC has transformed an area of scrubland ~ and later a car park ~ into a flourishing public green space. The centre has grown into an inclusive community hub, promoting healthy living through gardening, sustainable food growing, and education.  

Over the years, HCGC has welcomed over 10,000 visitors annually and has become a sanctuary for people and wildlife alike ~ it was the only garden centre in the north west that operated during the pandemic.*

This two-acre site stocks a wide range of plants, from tiny alpines to specimen trees as well as perennials and wildlife-friendly pond plants. The in-house nursery propagates and sells herbs, vegetables and fruit ~ all organic and peat-free. The centre also offers handmade garden items crafted from reclaimed materials by volunteers, including bird boxes and planters. HCGC actively promotes sustainable and organic practices, reducing plastic use, recycling whenever possible, and sourcing plants grown in organic, peat-free compost. 

Tim Knight, HCGC’s Plant Sales Manager, said: “Our garden centre has something for every space, whether it’s a tiny balcony, a shady courtyard, or a large outdoor garden. We’re passionate about sourcing plants from local, environmentally conscious nurseries and offering a wide range of native flowers, shrubs, and trees to support wildlife. Growing food is at the heart of what we do, so we provide a great selection of herbs, vegetables, and fruit trees to help our community become more self-sufficient. Alongside our plants, our shop is stocked with houseplants, gardening essentials, and eco-friendly products ~ everything you need to create and enjoy your own green space.”

As a champion of inclusivity and community wellbeing, HCGC's volunteer and education hub offers daily sessions that provide opportunities for parents, toddlers, adults with disabilities, beginner gardeners, and anyone seeking to connect with nature. Over 25% of HCGC's volunteers have physical or mental health needs, making it a truly inclusive and supportive space. These community volunteers have gained new skills and forged new friendships, becoming happier, healthier, more confident and part of a supportive community of horticultural heroes!

The special event on Saturday 5th July will celebrate the achievements of HCGC and its amazing volunteers, whose tireless dedication has created a safe, inclusive, and inspiring space. Attendees can look forward to a day packed with fun activities for all ages, including tours of the centre’s stunning green oasis. There will be engaging talks and workshops reflecting on Hulme Community Garden Centre’s rich history and its exciting vision for the future. Guests will also have the chance to meet and celebrate with the incredible volunteers who have been the heart and soul of HCGC over the years. All of this will take place in a vibrant community atmosphere, buzzing with music, delicious food, and plenty of laughter.

Gianetta Grainger, HCGC’s Project Manager, said: "Reaching 25 years is a huge milestone for us. Hulme Community Garden Centre has always been more than just a green space ~ it’s a place where people grow as much as the plants!  We're a garden centre with a difference that make a difference to peoples lives. This anniversary, and the build up towards it, is a celebration of everything we’ve achieved together as a community and a reflection of our mission to connect people with nature. We can’t wait to welcome everyone on 5th July to celebrate what makes this place so special."

"The recent developments on site, with support from the Greater Manchester Environment Fund and Green Spaces has allowed us to enhance our fabulous space, offering more opportunities for learning through play. This has helped us to continue and complete on major improvements and additions to our 2020 successful community share fund-raise; with generous support from a wide range of community groups, local businesses and many individuals wanting to be part of, and to invest in this fabulous project. 

"Our new-build brings so many benefits to so many and will help the garden centre survive through these difficult times. Many independent garden centres are sadly closing. Through the hard-work and dedication of our team, our army of volunteers and continued support from the community, the garden centre continues to flourish and our wildlife will have a safe haven in the heart of the city. We are proud to be guardians of our green spaces, and this, ‘hidden green oasis’ is for us all to share."

So, save the date and join in the fun on Saturday, 5th July, to celebrate 25 years of Hulme Community Garden Centre ~ a unique urban paradise that has become the heart of its community. In the meantime, for anyone who simply wants to have a look round ~ or buy some plants, gifts, or sit with a cup of coffee amongst the greenery ~ HCGC is open seven days a week: Monday to Saturdays between 10am-5pm and on Sundays and Bank Holidays between 10.30am-4.30pm.  

Hulme Community Garden Centre: 28 Old Birley Street, Hulme, Manchester M15 5TG   telephone:  0161 227 8198

HCGC: https://hulmegardencentre.org.uk/