Jim Gardener adopted the walkway between Danecourt Road and North Road, turning it into a haven of exotic plants, sculptures, and wildlife.
While the path itself is council-owned, the verges belong to Bournemouth and Poole College, which had an informal agreement allowing Jim to maintain the space.
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For years, Jim curated a flourishing garden filled with wildflowers, seasonal plants and ponds that attracted frogs, newts and insects.
He even repurposed a donated boat into a seating area—a favourite spot for elderly visitors and a young wheelchair user with carers. The college supplied a hose and reassured him that his water use was minimal.
The garden became a local treasure, entered into Poole in Bloom and Dorset Wildlife Trust competitions, and featured community-made sculptures.
But in May, without explanation, the college cut off Jim’s water supply.
During an unusually hot summer, many plants died.
“I am heartbroken,” Jim said.
“They turned off my water and now they’re chucking me out. It’s devastating.”
Despite its beauty, the garden faced challenges – vandalism, theft, and anti-social behaviour. Jim said these issues worsened when he was forced to spend less time there.
“I used to be here all the time. I’d move kids along, pick up litter. Now there’s graffiti, more rubbish, and people using the space for drugs.”
Cllr Kate Salmon, who visited the site, praised Jim’s efforts: “Just being here a short while, I can see how much your presence means to the community. You’ve been providing a real kind of community service.”
However, Bournemouth and Poole College now plans to fence off the pond area, remove non-native plants, cut back overgrowth, and install signage—though Jim says details remain unclear.
A college spokesperson said: “Reports from neighbours and routine inspections identified issues including rats, invasive bamboo, rubbish, and overgrown areas.
“We’re also concerned about waterlogged ground and unsafe installations, such as items nailed to protected trees. A manhole cover was repeatedly removed, leaving a three-metre drop exposed.”
The college also cited excessive water use.
The spokesperson said: “Since 2021, a dedicated supply was provided. An internal review earlier this year found sustained water flow when the area was unattended. As part of this investigation, the supply was turned off in May.”
They added: “While we recognise the time and care invested, safety and environmental risks, along with complaints, mean the informal arrangement can no longer continue. A three-month notice period was given for removal of items. We’ve updated neighbours and received positive feedback.”
The college stressed its commitment to green spaces, noting its long-standing support for the nearby North Road Community Garden.
Jim argues the situation could have been resolved through dialogue.
He said: “They could have worked with me—remove the bamboo, fix problems together. Instead, solicitors are involved. I feel bullied out.”
For Jim, the loss is deeply personal.
He added: “This place was my medicine. It helped me through anxiety and depression for eight years. I was so proud I’d done it all myself. Now it feels like it was all for nothing.”
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