Turning bins into planters!

Sustainability has always been high on the agenda for Better Bankside, so when we found out that one of our member businesses had plastic bins that were no longer needed in their office, we had another idea.

Our Urban Gardener, Dan, and our Placemaking Manager, Leo, saved nearly 100 of these bins, generously donated by local business, Boodle Hatfield. Currently 20 are installed along Union Street, actively turning the grey to green and making space for pollinators and increasing biodiversity – all while framing and beautifying a new alfresco food market space launched by FLAVR.

Our plants were sourced from Morden Hall nursery and were selected for pollinating insects and drought resistance. We also re-used spent compost from previous projects and mixed in with horticultural grit to improve drainage. Here are a few of the plants you will be able to see this summer:

Helichrysum italicum curry plant
Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ lavendar
Satureja douglasii ‘Indian Mint’
Hedera helix common ivy
Achillea ‘Terracotta’ yarrow
Hypochaeris radicata cats ear
Glechoma hederacea ‘Variegata’ variegated ground ivy

This is just one way we are increasing biodiversity in the area and helping the circular economy. Do you think your office space could benefit from a few of our new “bin planters”. Get in touch with Dan and Leo to find out more.