Even in winter the growing bug just keeps getting stronger for Westminster residents as a new kitchen garden is launched in Church Street.

The Don Perry Kitchen Garden, a food garden set up by Let’s Go Let’s Grow and supported by CityWest Homes who manages the Church Street estate, was officially opened by Lord Mayor of Westminster Councillor Duncan Sandys.

Let’s Go Let’s Grow creator Mike Wohl explains: “We have several different sites now on the Church Street estate, including the Don Perry Kitchen Garden. We’ve also set up the Beachcroft School garden in Maida Vale and discussions are underway for a site at Paddington Green.

“We’ve been able to do this thanks to funding from the Mayor of London’s capital growth scheme, Westminster City Council and CityWest Homes.”

The garden has been named in memory of well known Church Street resident Don Perry, who died five years ago. An original resident of Eden House when it was built in 1972, Don was a community leader.

Guests who attended the launch included Don’s 93-year-old wife Winnifred Perry, who said: “He would have been so proud. He was a magistrate at Marylebone Court and a very strong trade unionist. He went around and helped people and he always got the right message through.”

Freezing temperatures didn’t put off guests who wandered amongst the sprouts, chard, carrots and beets, thriving despite the frigid winter weather.

Resident Mohammad Sadaty was there with his family who are on the waiting list for a space in the garden. His 13 year old son Mustafa helps twice a week with the gardening chores and said: “I like watering the best because you don’t get dirty!”

His father gave the project the thumbs up too: “We want our community to be green. This is a great project!”