A GARDENER, 60, has been booted from his “secret garden” after dedicating eight years transforming it.

The fittingly named Jim Gardner took it upon himself to revive the neglected footpath in Poole, , in 2016.

Jim Gardner standing in his award-winning "secret garden."Jim Gardner, 60, has spent eight years working on the ‘secret garden’Credit: BNPS A narrow, paved footpath winds through an overgrown garden with lush green plants and trees.The green-fingered horticulturist took it upon himself to revive the neglected footpathCredit: BNPS A leafy, winding footpath covered in autumn leaves, with an unpainted wooden structure tagged with red graffiti and a light blue bench to the left.A legal letter accused Jim of installing artwork on protected trees without permissionCredit: BNPS

Over the years, the green-fingered horticulturist has cultivated exotic plants and seasonal shrubbery locals love.

He has even bagged several awards for his creations and handcrafted artwork.

The path is council-run but Bournemouth and Poole College own the grass verges either side.

Jim had an agreement made in good faith which allowed him to maintain the area and make it his own.

But now the 60-year-old has been told he will be booted out in February -and must take everything with him.

It is understood the move was sparked by a neighbour complaining about invasive roots from a bamboo plant.

A solicitor’s letter also raised the issue of marsh areas and a pond, as well as a rat infestation.

Jim, who lives close to the “secret garden” said: “It was a rough, untidy lane covered in weeds before I started.

“It attracted vandals and women didn’t feel safe walking through it.

“I love gardening, it is my passion so I asked the college if I could take it over and tidy it up.

“I never thought it would become this secret garden for the community to enjoy.

“I am so proud of it and the fact that people came especially to see it and chat to me about it.

“I have worked on it almost everyday. I have spent a small fortune on plants and members of the public have donated many plants.

“I put blood, sweat and tears into it.

A blue gate with a white sign attached that reads "Poole's Secret Garden, Follow on Facebook :), Donations Welcome :)".Jim used his own money to fund the projectCredit: BNPS Illustration of a fox, bees, and a sign that reads "Please Respect Our Garden" painted on a brick wall next to a tree and ivy.The 60-year-old had an agreement made in good faith which allowed him to maintain the area and make it his ownCredit: BNPS Public art installation resembling a broken globe, made of yellow, black, and white metal, resting on a wooden stump in a garden.It is understood the move was sparked by a neighbour complaining about invasive roots from a bamboo plantCredit: BNPS

“But what has now happened brings tears to my eyes for the wrong reasons.

“I just did a good deed and have had no thanks at all.

“Things changed this summer when the college restricted the amount of water I was using for the plants to just one day a week and everything started dying off.

“Now I have had a solicitor’s letter telling me to leave. I know there is a local resident who has been moaning about bamboo roots and I feel they started this all off.

“The college have acted like bullies over this.

“I just don’t understand. Are they wanting to take it over now I have done all the hard work?

“Are they going to ruin everything I have done?”

But Bournemouth and Poole College has accused Jim of compromising protected trees by installing artwork on them.

An exposed manhole cover, with a three-metre drop exposed, also raised safety concerns.

A college spokesperson said: “Reports from neighbours and routine inspections identified issues including rats, invasive bamboo, rubbish, and overgrown areas.

“We’re also concerned about waterlogged ground and unsafe installations, such as items nailed to protected trees. A manhole cover was repeatedly removed, leaving a three-metre drop exposed.

“While we recognise the time and care invested, safety and environmental risks, along with complaints, mean the informal arrangement can no longer continue.

“A three-month notice period was given for removal of items. We’ve updated neighbours and received positive feedback.”

Devastated Jim argued the college could have approached him directly to reach a solution rather than go straight to solicitors.

The legal letter read: “Our client is no longer willing to allow your use and occupation of the property and we enclose a notice to terminate the licence.

“The notice requires you to take steps to remove all items and goods belonging to you.”

A winding footpath through a lush award-winning garden with various plants.The garden has won several awardsCredit: BNPS The University Centre Poole at Bournemouth & Poole College, with an orange barrier arm and "5" speed limit signs at a car park entrance.Bournemouth and Poole College own the grass verges either side of the pathCredit: BNPS An open drain cover on a site.An exposed manhole cover, with a three-metre drop exposed, also raised safety concernsCredit: BNPS A footpath transformed into a "secret garden" with award plaques, a wheelbarrow, and diverse plants.Jim argued the issues could have been resolved through a conversation instead of solicitorsCredit: BNPS

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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