THE SECRET GARDENS STEPS AWAY FROM THE DAILY COMMUTE, MAINTAINED BY SOUTHEASTERN STAFF AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Southeastern’s station gardens have bloomed thanks to the ongoing group effort from station staff and volunteers in the local community. The UK’s train operator for South East London, Kent and East Sussex, Southeastern, have highlighted their top five station gardens across the South East. Tunbridge Wells, Snodland, Elmstead Woods, Petts Wood and Eynsford each boast a host of agricultural features to support biodiversity and beautify local areas.

From platform assistants to school students, the Southeastern team along with the local community tends to the green spaces, maintaining each garden’s individual selection of plants, flowers and local charm. The gardens provide a peaceful place for passengers to sit for a moment of tranquillity in between journeys or at the start or end of their journeys, away from the hustle and bustle of their day.

Southeastern team member and Tunbridge Wells’s Platform Assistant, Debbie Jagniaszek has worked at the station for twenty-five years and the garden has been there as long as she can remember. Debbie said:” When the garden is in full bloom, lots of passengers sit there, they stop and admire it and they are respectful of the garden.”

Sally and Ed Bywater have maintained the Elmstead Woods gardens since the Garden Club was started in 2013. They said: “Our volunteers love the gardens here at Elmstead Woods, they make the station such a special place. So does everyone – staff and passengers alike. The Garden Club works with the staff here to keep this space a tranquil haven for the whole community.”

Southeastern’s station gardens span South East London, Kent and parts of East Sussex, attracting passengers from across the UK. Their high-speed trains from London St Pancras International to top destinations in Kent mean that it’s never been easier to take a trip from the busy city to these serene station spaces.

In a matter of minutes between local stations, and longer journeys for those feeling adventurous, visitors can take a trip on the Southeastern network to see how horticulture is enriching local communities first-hand.