Clive Jeffries transformed a largely wasted outdoor space into something special, and now many are following his lead
Clive Jeffries back garden was anything but remarkable when he first took on his project(Image: Clive Jeffries / The People’s Library)
During the bleak times of the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, Clive Jeffries looked out of his window and saw the potential for something lasting and beautiful. It started off as a largely unloved and wasted space, as a bare patch of grass with no real character. That’s until Mr Jeffries went to work on his project at his Gorseinon, Swansea home.
With plenty of time on his hands, he set about planning, digging and planting. Slowly but surely, his garden grew, and over the past five years it has blossomed into something more and more eye-catching.
And what started as a self-taught hobby during a time when we were all confined to our homes, has now led to something very special indeed, as Mr Jeffries is helping friends around Swansea follow in his footsteps. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here.
How Mr Jeffries’ garden first looked(Image: Clive Jeffries / The People’s Library)
His skill and generosity attracted the attention of David Jones, director of the People’s Library, an organisation that helps people connect with their communities and tell their stories in the form of books, films and exhibitions.
The novice gardener decided to transform his outdoor space(Image: Clive Jeffries / The People’s Library)
David said: “A garden asks for hard work and patience. Plants don’t grow because of smiles and good intentions.
“They grow because someone puts in the effort and shows the skill to make them grow.
“Clive Jeffries does exactly that, and his garden in Gorseinon tells the story of the 2020s.”
It now looks completely unrecognisable(Image: Clive Jeffries / The People’s Library)
On November, the People’s Library hosted a celebration of Clive’s work at the Swansea Grand Theatre.
An audience heard him talk about the research and hard work that led to his garden becoming a showpiece for the community, and also a source of healthy, home-grown food.
The vegetables Clive grows are shared with friends, neighbours and local food banks.
Mr Jeffries’ outdoor space now has lots of attractive features(Image: Clive Jeffries / The People’s Library)
In recognition of what he’s achieved, Michelle Thomas presented him with a People’s Library Community Champion award.
Mr Jeffries is one of 240 people in south-west Wales who benefits from the support of Community Lives Consortium, a charity that has been helping disabled people live the lives they choose since its foundation in 1989.
Mr Jeffries was presented with a People’s Library Community Champion award(Image: Clive Jeffries / The People’s Library)
Mr Jones added: “The People’s Library supports many people who aren’t able to take care of their own gardens, and Clive’s expertise is a huge benefit to them.
“With Michelle’s encouragement, he’s become a gardening guru.
“Up until now he’s very kindly helped a number of people free of charge, but he’s offering a first-class service and exceptional value for money.
“Swansea residents who want a garden full of beautiful flowers or delicious vegetables should look no further.”
For further information, or to partner with the People’s Library on a community project, contact Mr Jones at hello@peopleslibrary.co.uk.
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