Small Space Revolution

20 accessible projects and international case studies of inspiring gardening in outdoor spaces to benefit people and the environment.

Create green outdoor spaces no matter how small and see how transformative they can be.

Gardener and activist Tayshan Hayden-Smith demonstrates 20 different practical projects you can create to positively change small outdoor spaces and pulls out inspiration from community gardens around the world. Tayshan's practical advice is accompanied by easy-to-follow steps and inspiring examples of how simple garden projects - on even the smallest scale and budget - can open the doors to better wellbeing, uniting communities, and reviving natural spaces to help create the greener future we're all fighting for.

Reconnect with the outdoor space around you - perhaps start growing your own food, or build a learning bed to educate children (and even adults) about the soil beneath their feet. Begin to reimagine how even the smallest of spaces can be green and living - transform a drainpipe into the perfect trellis or construct a pollinator wall out of repurposed tin cans.

Tayshan underpins all his practical takeaways with inspiring manifestos on why we need to improve small spaces; the environmental benefits for nature; and the wider issues around connections with growing and greening space. Most importantly, his message is clear- everyone can play their part in creating green spaces to benefit us as individuals, communities and the environment too.

About the Author

Tayshan Hayden-Smith is an activist, changemaker, community gardener, community organizer, and passionate believer in people's right to have access to nature and joy. Formerly a professional footballer, he sought to heal and inspire hope in his North Kensington community following the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire by initiating the Grenfell Garden of Peace. Since focusing on his gardening and activism, he now runs his own not-for-profit company Grow to Know. Tayshan is also part of the design team on BBC2's Your Garden Made Perfect, and his garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022 won a Silver Gilt medal.