Neighbours and businesses transform Knutsford pensioner's overgrown garden

Joyce, 73, and her son David, 47, live in Stanley Road, Knutsford, and are enjoying their new-look gardens, especially sitting out in the new, low maintenance front garden.

The makeover nears completion - from left, Joyce, David, Giles, Annie, Will and Jake (Tatton Fencing)

The gardens have been transformed in 16 days after Stanley Road resident Annie Greer saw Joyce struggling to cut her overgrown hedge one evening.

“I asked her if I could rally some neighbours would she like us to help transform her garden,” said Annie.

David watering the new plants after having painted the fence

“She was delighted, and said the garden was too much for her to maintain. The results of my asking neighbours and local companies to help has been overwhelming and heart-warming.

“People have worked so hard on the garden, it has given everybody a huge sense of community, and the beautiful weather came just in time.

Matt Taylor and Giles Robertson with planters donated by MUD and plants from a resident, Fryers Garden Centre and The Potting Shed

“Joyce has been sitting out, and David is loving sitting on his own or with his mum seeing his friends from the Stanley Day Centre going past with their carers to East Terrace.

“David has been bored at home and missing his friends at the centre, so the bench out front gives him a space to sit and watch the world go by.

Nick Hopkins works on clearing the overgrown garden

“Passers-by stop at the newly-rebuilt boundary wall to congratulate them on the transformation of the overgrown area to an easy-to-maintain, beautifully-paved outdoor space.

The team take a break working at the back of the house

“David has a lovely smile on his face again and a new daily routine to water the planters and plants, which he’s thrilled to do. The support and donations have been truly overwhelming, and I would like to say a huge thank you for everyone’s hard work and generosity of spirit.”

The garden before

Annie thanked neighbours, Modern Unique Developments (MUD), William Beach, Travis Perkins, Stotts Gardening Services, Complete Gardening Services, Vikings, Booths, Tatton Fencing, RHS Tatton, Groundworks, Arthur Lee, Cavanagh and Sons, Fryers Garden Centre, The Potting Shed, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Co-op, Woods Butchers and The White Bear.

Tim Hatton and Matt Taylor from MUD

Matt Taylor from MUD said: “When Annie told us the situation we created an action plan to draw on the help and support of residents and businesses to create something special for Joyce and David.

"Annie was instrumental in co-ordinating the many eager helpers, and it’s fantastic to see Joyce and David enjoying the front garden again.”

Travis Perkins delivering free copings, chippings and edging stones

Nick Hopkins said: "When we started this project we had no idea how quickly neighbours and local businesses would answer the call.

"This project has reinforced the strong and generous community spirit that Knutsford enjoys, and it has been great to meet so many of our neighbours on Stanley Road.

"Seeing how much Joyce and David are enjoying their new space is fantastic, and we already discussing how we can build on what we have achieved here into an annual community project for other families and households."

Tractor driven by Billy from Tom Bagley delivering top soil and hardcore

Giles Robertson said: "Nick from the rugby club asked for help on a volunteer project round the corner from me.

"Since I trained as a horticulturalist I immediately offered help, designing an easy maintenance garden to offer David and Joyce the opportunity to sit outside.

"Calls to Phil at Travis Perkins and Tom at Groundworks quickly resulted in the necessary materials arriving just when needed.

"Momentum developed, and it was fantastic to see David participating in both the redevelopment and the planting.

"Colin Hurrell (RHS) offered advice and plants with the picket fence donated by Tatton Fencing. This completed the team effort and reinforced what a fabulous community spirit we have locally."