RHS School Gardeners of the Year 2023
Judging panel
Tayshan Hayden-Smith
RHS Ambassador for young people and community gardening and founder of Grow2Know
About Tayshan
My name is Tayshan Hayden-Smith and I was born and raised in Ladbroke Grove, West London. I was fortunate enough to have broken into professional football in my late teens/early twenties, but my path was soon to take a turn. After the Grenfell Tower fire in North Kensington, I turned to guerilla gardening as a form of therapy. I’ve since set up Grow2Know which now reimagines green space through innovative design, reconnecting community with nature so both can thrive. Last year I became an RHS Ambassador for young people and community gardening.
Q&A
Can you describe your connection to/love of gardening and growing?
My love for nature stems from my late mother, Nancy. Even on a street void of much life, she’d point out the one tree and exclaim, “Look at the bark, isn’t the texture of it so interesting? Can you see the birds? Listen to them sing.” She is a big influence and inspiration for my passion for wider access to nature and activism within this space. Whenever I see a sunset, I am reminded of her strength, her kindness and her ever presence. She is my hero.
Why do you think gardening and growing is so important for young people?
Growing up in London, access to good quality, beautiful, healing space was limited - and that’s even with the influences of my mum in my life. Outdoor green space has proven to be so healing in my experience and no one can ever tell me any different. There’s a power within being at one with nature, placing yourself within the cycles of life. The healing and unifying powers of nature cannot be ignored! Gardening saved me in a very difficult time and, for me, is a space of contemplation, reflection and self care.
When is your favourite time of year in the garden?
Summer is my favourite time of the year - the sun is out and plants, people and pollinators are all buzzing about. I love sitting in the sun watching the leaves of trees cast shadows which dance on the floor. Nature is art and in summer it’s most prevalent. I do also feel inspired by garden designer Piet Oudoulf’s perspective on plants. The beauty of winter is often overlooked but I really do love architectural qualities of wilting, decomposing plants. Although void of colours you’d often associate with a garden, the seed heads provide food, shelter and protection for wildlife in the coldest of winter months.
What’s your favourite fruit or vegetable to grow?
I don’t actually have a favourite although if forced to choose, I love a strawberry tree - there’s something quite imaginative and playful about the name, and the fruits taste great. I also love plants that have a purpose for both wildlife and people - it’s important we design, plant and grow to support the ecosystem.
Your top tip for young gardeners?
When I first started gardening, I had no clue what I was doing - but it was all about connection and feeling. It was an adventure for me. As I started to meet people and garden more, I’d listen and learn. Stories are shared in the garden and it’s an amazing place to meet new people. My point is, there’s no right or wrong in the garden - it’s all a big experiment.
What would your dream gardening project be?
At Grow2Know we’re developing what we’re calling the 'Greenprint' where every idea is an ambition, a dream, an aspiration - but achievable nonetheless.
A dream, gardening The UK High Line - inspired by the New York High Line, a huge pollinator path will thread communities and plants together. It’s all about coexistence. You’ve got to dream big and think outside the box - don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! The power of manifestation will take you further than you know…
Do you have one piece of advice regarding protecting our planet and the environment?
We have to take action and there are many ways of doing that. I have a lot of respect for protestors that take to the streets and demand systemic and governmental change. My way of protesting is through education, redistribution of resources and collaborative creative thinking to find solutions. It doesn’t have to be so serious - plants are playful and we can all come together to thrive in our community spaces - what I like to call the ‘common ground’.
Check out Tayshan's website.