A mystery gardener who transformed a strip of barren wasteland on a housing estate into a lush oasis has been tracked down and handed a prestigious prize.
Five years ago, Juana Roa Torres planted the first seedlings in the rubbish-filled gravel pit next to her flat in Cedar Court, off Essex Road.
Now the plot is flourishing with fuchsias, hostas, Japanese maples and ferns. All wood and stone in the garden has been recycled and every plant has been taken from cuttings.
Judges for this year's Islington in Bloom competition were so impressed they awarded the land first prize for "Best Forgotten Corner". The site also won a certificate of excellence from London in Bloom.
But they had no idea who created the garden and were unable to find out in time for the awards ceremony.
Meanwhile, green-fingered Juana had no idea she had won a prize - or that a hunt was under way to track her down.
The 40-year-old dressmaker said: "I grew up in Spain in an orchard with tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, fruits and beans, so I love greenery - but I'm certainly no gardening expert. I only started doing this when one of my neighbours moved out and left an old fork and trowel behind, but now I really enjoy it.
"I had absolutely no idea I'd won this prize. I'm delighted, but I would have tried even harder if I'd known judges were looking at my handiwork."
Cllr Barbara Smith, Islington Council's Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety, nominated the garden and managed to eventually track down Juana to hand her the prize. She said: "This just shows what you can do with a bit of forgotten land, and transform it into something really special.
“There are some wonderful gardens on our housing estates, and I’m thrilled that this has been recognised. This is a well-deserved prize and what Islington in Bloom is all about.”
Page Last Updated: 15 November 2009