This year we have been building a new greenhouse in the Garden – the ‘Dalston Pineapple House’.
The pineapple is a traditional symbol of welcome and Hackney has a rich history of famous plant nurseries and ‘hothouses’, where tropical fruits like pineapples were grown.
We need to raise an additional £10,000 to complete the construction of the Pineapple House. The London Development Agency have already given the project a vote of confidence by contributing funds to the construction, and we were the winners of a Timberland Earthkeepers grant towards the building of the glasshouse.
The Pineapple House at the Eastern Curve is a glasshouse for the 21st century. It is a warm, welcoming space for visitors to relax and enjoy the Garden even in the coldest weather. The glasshouse will protect delicate plants, like peppers and aloe, over winter and allow us to raise herbs and vegetables from seed early in the growing season. It also means that the Garden’s popular children’s workshops can be offered throughout the year, more activities can be created for adults and the education programme with local schools can be further developed.
The glasshouse is built in timber, glass and steel and incorporates an existing steel beam as well as using recycled timber and doors. We need to install electricity, plumbing and heating, and complete the adjacent brick shed/WC to include a demonstration ‘living’ green roof that will incorporate a rain water harvesting system.
If you would like to help the Garden reach the £10,000 target you can make a payment to the Garden’s donations account at the Co-operative Bank: Dalston Eastern Curve Garden: Sort code: 08-92-99 account number: 65572586. Or by cheque made out to Dalston Eastern Curve Garden and sent to Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, 13 Dalston Lane, London E8 3DF.
