Bristol’s St George Goes Galactic – Blooming into Space

St George resident Grenville Johnson and Alan Elms commission a powerful mural with a message.

Created by local artist Ollie Gillard; the mural broadcasts the important role our natural world holds in urban communities. Research shows that health and wellbeing bloom for us all when we interact and engage with the nature in positive ways.

We don’t need to be in the middle of the countryside to appreciate nature. Grenville has shown that nature can be celebrated in creative ways in the heart of urban environments.

A significant proportion of Grenville’s life work has been dedicated to uplifting St George, where he has lived all of his life. Replanting all of Kensington Road’s trees, designing wheelie-bin planters, and cleverly co-ordinated planting schemes at the entrance of St George Park are just a few of his notable initiatives.

Beyond St George, Kensington Road has also been modelled at the Hampton Court Flower Show (see appendix) and gained national coverage.

The mural is the latest green initiative with a twist. It was been designed to remind us all that despite the divisions the Covid-19 pandemic is creating in our urban environments; “we all belong to nature”. An important reminder to not isolate ourselves from the natural world; especially in uncertain times. Look to what we have in common and celebrate this!

Grenville’s work has also rubbed off on some of the local neighbours. In particular; Sam Kotadia who has recently moved into the house next door, has been inspired by the exciting projects on Kensington Rd. Sam is lead author and Sport Psychologist for Bristol’s local charity Empire Fighting Chance:

“I remember when I first saw my house, I so impressed with the sense of civic-pride on the street. I also felt there was something very special about the house next door! After meeting Grenville and Alan and becoming good friends I felt inspired to engage with nature in a whole new light. I think the mural is a great testament to their individual and collective talents. Seeing the impact of the mural within the local community is also inspiring. It puts a smile on people’s faces whoever sees it. A generous offering to special community. Keep up the good work!”

Simple but profound initiatives can be taking place in all communities. Here are 5 tips to take action:

1. Meet up with your neighbours and brainstorm simple ways to invite nature into your community.
2. Track down the tiniest of spaces to green-up. These could include window boxers and planting containers.
3. Grow edibles in pots and containers. You could also explore the potential to get an allotment through your local council.
4. Learn to observe the greenery that already exists in your neighbourhood. The more you appreciate nature the more you naturally want to nurture and preserve green spaces.
5. Complete a mini-green goal each day. This could include weeding, planting, watering and designing.

Contact details and past projects are contained in the Appendix.

Reception onsite date for press, community and friends to be announced when the mural is completed.