News

It has been 24 hours since two devastating earthquakes destroyed large parts of southern Türkiye and northern Syria. The tremors were felt across the region, even as far as our community garden in Domiz 1 camp in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Many of our gardeners in the KRI are Syrian and have family … Continued

Congratulations to Cheryl, in Jakarta, Indonesia, for winning our special winter competition in collaboration with Grace Alexander Flowers. A signed copy of Grace’s book, ‘Grow and Gather’, and some extra goodies will be posted out to Cheryl soon.   In the competition people were invited to share a special seasonal plant or floral tradition that … Continued

At this time of year when the weather is turning colder in refugee and IDP (internally displaced people) camps in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, our gardening activities are more important than ever to bring people together and give them hope for their futures. That’s why, this Christmas, we have launched a special appeal, where … Continued

For the last few winters, the road linking the four sections of the Azadi Community Garden in Domiz 1 camp has become extremely waterlogged. Heavy winter rains often wash away the top layer, leaving deep ruts in both sides and with each heavy rainfall, the roads become fast flowing streams and in the case of … Continued

We’ve set up a mini library in our lounge area of the Azadi Community Garden in Domiz 1 camp. It’s a small way we can help our children to grow and flourish.  Right now we only have a few books in our cabinet but we will continue to add to our small collection so that … Continued

Aveen Ibrahem, our operations manager in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, together with our gardening team, have been busy doing gardening outreach activities with some of the local schools.   As a way to mark the UN’s World Children’s Day, we visited five schools in Domiz 1 camp and Gawillan camp in November. World Children’s Day … Continued

We were delighted to join art27 member Darren Abrahams on the Resounding Podcast recently to share how gardening is a powerful force for good in helping to transform the lives of displaced people. In the podcast episode our Operations & Communications Director, Jennie Spears, joins the founder of Uganda-based Rwamwanja Rural Foundation, Bemeriki Bisimwa Dusabe, … Continued

We are thrilled to have relaunched our cooking competitions in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq this year, after a two-year pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We first started the cooking competitions in 2018 as an extension to our annual garden competitions. The cooking competitions showcase all the delicious produce being grown in home gardens … Continued

Massive congratulations and thanks to our first-ever marathon runner, Caroline Hood, for running the London Marathon in support of Lemon Tree Trust.   The 26.2-mile London Marathon is Caroline’s first race, having discovered a love for running around a year ago.   Caroline has raised over £1,600 for Lemon Tree Trust.   We can’t thank Caroline enough for … Continued

Things don’t always go according to plan when it comes to gardening, do they?   In August, when our team were due to be taking a well-earned break following a busy period of Annual Garden Competitions, the borewell mechanism in the Azadi Community Garden in Domiz 1 camp stopped working.   While the majority of shelters in … Continued