24/06/2026
🌱 Families from Connors Toy Library joined us at Southsea Green yesterday for the third and final session of our 100 Seeds for 100 Years project, part of the Portsmouth 100 celebrations.
Following two planting workshops with families earlier this year, we came together at Canoe Lake to enjoy a picnic, treasure trail, and seedling distribution in glorious sunshine. After postponing the event last month due to wind and rain, it was wonderful to finally gather outdoors and celebrate everything that had grown from the project.
Southsea Green is a community gardening project based at Canoe Lake, bringing people together through gardening, creativity, outdoor learning, and environmental awareness. We work to create welcoming green spaces where people of all ages can connect with nature, learn new skills, and support their wellbeing.
Working in partnership with Connors Toy Library, which supports families with young children through play, learning, and community activities, and with the support of the Seekers Create team, this project has encouraged children and families to explore food growing, sustainability, local heritage, and the benefits of spending time outdoors.
A special highlight was spending time with Southsea Green’s Head Gardener, Goff Gleadle, who celebrates his 84th birthday today. Goff shared his passion, knowledge, and decades of gardening experience with the children and families, demonstrating how seeds can grow into plants and how gardening can bring people together across generations.
100 Seeds for 100 Years celebrates Portsmouth’s past while looking to the future, encouraging young families to connect with nature, grow their own food, and become part of a healthier, greener, and more connected community.
Thank you to everyone who took part and helped make all three sessions such a success. And a very happy 84th birthday to Goff! 🎉🌻
