Within the grounds of TOSH, The Old School House, a former Victorian school on Gladstone Road in Boscombe, lies a garden that local volunteers built together: The Orchard Garden. Four fruit trees planted during TOSH's 2015 refurbishment were the starting point, and a two-year, volunteer-led rebuild has since turned that small beginning into a genuine sanctuary, 14 fruit trees, wildflowers, herbs and climbing plants arranged around a handmade terracotta-tile seating circle, an arbour seat and a bench crafted from recycled plastic.
A community project
TOSH's own community groups carried out most of the construction work themselves. The Seeking Refuge men's group built the paths and seating areas, while the Threads women's group sewed cushion covers and bunting, and trainees from local charity Faithworks contributed a garden bench. Funding for the redevelopment came from the People's Health Trust, channelled through Health Lottery South West, plus JPMorgan and Wessex Water. The garden's official reopening fell on Sunday 21 July 2024, marked by an open day where more than 100 attendees enjoyed garden crafts and shared food.
Visiting
Don't expect to just wander in; the garden belongs to TOSH's working building, which Sir Percy Florence Shelley, son of Frankenstein author Mary Shelley, opened back in 1878. Shelley's mother is remembered nearby at The Mary Shelley, and the garden itself runs a seasonal Garden Skills workshop programme. TOSH also lets it out directly for small gatherings, workshops and children's parties. Our guide to things to do in Bournemouth covers further green spaces and days out around the bay.
