In many urban neighborhoods, unused plots of land are overlooked or neglected. But what if these underutilized spaces could be transformed into something useful, like a garden that grows food and brings people together?
That’s the goal of The Edible Bus Stop, a community-led project that began in South London and has since inspired similar efforts around the world. It shows what’s possible when design, urban planning, and public health intersect.
How It Started
In 2011, residents of Landor Road in South London decided to take action. A plot of land next to a bus stop, previously overgrown and neglected, became the focus of a grassroots gardening effort. With a few tools and a clear intention, volunteers began planting edible crops and flowers. They installed benches and turned the space into a small public garden.
The effort gained attention. It not only improved the appearance of the area but also created a shared space for neighbors to connect. The success of that single garden led to the formation of The Edible Bus Stop Studio, a design team that now partners with local governments and organizations to create green spaces throughout the UK.
“It was more than planting food, it was about cultivating community,” said founder Mak Gilchrist in an interview with Modern Farmer [Modern Farmer, 2013].
Why Edible Landscaping?
Unlike traditional urban landscaping, which often uses ornamental plants, The Edible Bus Stop emphasizes edible species, herbs, vegetables, fruit-bearing shrubs, alongside native plants and pollinator habitats.
The benefits are straightforward:
- Improved access to fresh produce
- Hands-on learning about food and plants
- A more engaged and connected neighborhood
Edible gardens also provide opportunities for community members to participate directly, by watering, harvesting, or just spending time in the space. These gardens make public land more accessible and functional.
From Guerrilla Gardening to Professional Design
What started as informal, community-led work has evolved into professional urban design. The Edible Bus Stop Studio now develops permanent green installations for public housing estates, hospitals, and transport sites. Every project involves local residents in planning and implementation.
Their approach combines landscape architecture with social engagement. Spaces are designed to be inviting, inclusive, and practical. Paths are wheelchair-accessible, plantings are labeled, and seating is built in. This attention to usability helps ensure the spaces stay active over time.
“We don’t design for people to look at, we design for them to be in,” said Gilchrist in a short documentary by Films for Action [Films for Action, 2013].
Social and Environmental Impact
Green space in cities isn’t just about aesthetics. Studies consistently show that access to natural environments improves mental health, reduces stress, and increases physical activity. When those spaces are edible, they also:
- Encourage conversations around local food systems
- Provide informal education opportunities
- Support urban biodiversity
- Build resilience in underserved areas
The Edible Bus Stop is one example of how small changes to the built environment can have wide-ranging effects. When people feel a sense of ownership over shared space, they’re more likely to stay involved, take care of their surroundings, and support their neighbors.
Global Influence
The Edible Bus Stop has inspired other projects in the UK and internationally. From Incredible Edible Todmorden in Yorkshire to community gardens in U.S. cities, the idea of transforming overlooked urban land into productive space has gained momentum.
As more cities explore ways to improve food access, mental health, and neighborhood cohesion, edible public landscaping has become a practical and replicable model.
That said, there are still barriers. Some municipalities hesitate to allow edible plantings on public land due to concerns over maintenance, liability, or aesthetics. But projects like The Edible Bus Stop show that, with the right design and community support, these concerns can be addressed.
How to Start Something Similar
You don’t need to live in London, or have a design studio, to bring these ideas to your community. Here are a few steps you can take if you’re interested in starting an edible public space:
- Find a site – Look for an unused patch of public land near a bus stop, sidewalk, or park.
- Talk to neighbors – Ask around and gauge interest. Collaboration is key.
- Plan simply – Use raised beds, containers, or vertical structures. Start with herbs and hardy vegetables.
- Engage the community – Make it clear the space is open for everyone to use. Add signage or invitations to help.
- Reach out to your city – If the space takes off, consider contacting your local government to explore a formal partnership.
Even a small container garden can make a difference. These efforts are less about scale and more about mindset, how we see and use the public spaces around us.
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Conclusion
The Edible Bus Stop is a reminder that practical, community-focused solutions can reshape how we live in cities. By turning empty land into edible gardens, the project fosters food literacy, mental well-being, and stronger neighborhood ties.
It’s also a model that can be adapted in nearly any urban environment. Whether you’re in a dense city or a small town, rethinking what’s possible in public space is a good place to start.
If you’re interested in creating a space like this in your own neighborhood, whether it’s a sidewalk garden, a shared courtyard, or a full backyard transformation, check out the book Edible Landscaping. It offers practical guidance, plant suggestions, and design ideas to help you grow food wherever you are.
👉 Get your copy of Edible Landscaping on Amazon and start turning your space into something nourishing, useful, and beautiful.
Sources
- Films for Action. The Edible Bus Stop: Turning Grey Spaces into Green Places. https://www.filmsforaction.org/watch/the-edible-bus-stop/
- The Edible Bus Stop Official Website. https://theediblebusstop.com/
- Allsup, Brinton. “The Edible Bus Stop.” Modern Farmer, August 14, 2013. https://modernfarmer.com/2013/08/the-edible-bus-stop/
