Mini allotments at office roof gardens

Ground Control worked with Grounds Maintenance client JLL to give some old planters a new lease of life in a roof garden mini-allotment at a commercial office block in Reading.

The mini-allotment has helped to enhance this outdoor space, enabling office users to relax, enjoy nature and grow their own healthy produce.

Project overview

• Enhance outdoor space at the workplace
• Reuse old planters stored on the office rooftops
• Create mini-allotments from materials already on site
• Prepare foundations for employees to grow herbs and vegetables in the planters
• Create sustainable, outdoor space for employees to use all year round
• Promote health, and well-being in the workplace

The problem

• COVID-19 has left office spaces neglected. Facilities and office managers are challenged with making the workplace a welcoming place to return to after months of remote working
• Some employees have developed unhealthy lifestyles whilst staying at home during the pandemic

The solution

• Encourage positive use of outdoor space by creating mini allotments for workers to grow their own herbs and vegetables
• Reuse and recycle onsite materials for low-cost, sustainable impact
• Promote staff morale, team building, and healthy lifestyles

The Process

Ground Control deployed their expert teams to:

• Design the look and feel of the mini allotments at the office roof garden
• Lay the foundations for planting herbs and vegetables
• Supply compost, seeds, and plant food
• Advise, and educate the office employees on how to get the best results from their harvest

The Results

• A flourishing office roof garden of self-grown herbs and vegetables.  This includes beetroot, onions, parsley, basil, chives, and more
• Engaged employees are making the most of the outside office space
• Employees make daily visits to the roof garden to nurture their creations
• The workplace has become a happier and healthier place to be. Employees collaborate on outdoor activities and can share and enjoy healthy food from the fruits of their labour.
• Employees reap what they sow!