Established in 2017, the North London based Omved Gardens is a thriving ecosystem built on previously tarmacked lands a demonstration of the potential impact of a regenerative approach to improve health and climate resilience.
Working by permaculture principles the focus at Omved Gardens is on seed saving, food, fermentation, nourishment, ecology, design & creativity – all the while providing a space for people and communities to connect, be close to nature and share knowledge. The name, Omved relates to ‘Om’ is a sacred sound considered by ancient philosophical texts to be the sound of the universe, and ‘Ved’ means knowledge.
Opening on the 31st of May 2025, the new centre for permaculture, biodiversity and community is located within the existing gardens, and is spread across a series of buildings that follow the life-cycle of edible plants from seed through germination and growth to being harvested and prepared for the plate. According to Omved, the new buildings will unlock the potential for the Gardens to act as a home for celebrations with and for food, a community hub and a place for sharing insights, ecological best practice and more.
The landscape led project by Paul Gazerwitz of Del Buono Gazerwitz Landscape Architecture in collaboration with Smerin Architects realises a series of spaces including: the Barn – a reimagining of a multipurpose events space; the Kitchen complete with accessible rooftop garden; a dedicated Seed Library and the Greenhouse, a striking double height space maximizing passive solar gain and natural ventilation.
Designed by Piers Smerin developed from initial plans by HASA Architects the new buildings sit nestled amongst newly planted trees, complementing the existing 2 acre garden site.
A range of events and activities are scheduled for 2025, all following the theme “Growing Resilience”, exploring ecology, food, and creativity as pathways to health and climate resilience. Organised across 3 strands, activities are focussed on wild learning, healthy habits and nature-led creativity. The opening of the new permaculture centre coincides with a solo exhibition by the artist Vivienne Schadinsky. Through film, sculpture, and Japanese ink paintings, Schandinsky’s work traces the journey of beans from seed to harvest – a fitting tribute to the cycles of growth and renewal that define OmVed Gardens.
“Sol [Polo, Curator and Programme Manager] and the team have realised a programme of events and activities creating a journey where ecology, food, and creativity converge as pathways to well-being and climate resilience. Our new spaces have allowed us to grow the ambition of the work we do and create so many more opportunities to welcome members of the local community, exciting young voices in ecology, international expertise and anyone curious to learn more about how food, ecology and creativity can build a better world. Clustered on the hillside, together the buildings will unlock the potential for the Gardens to act as a home for celebrations with and for food, a community hub and a place for sharing insights, ecological best practice and more.
“Our programme features free events, taster sessions, in depth workshops and laid back food and performance evenings. We’re also pleased to be hosting events as part of London Open Gardens, Grow Urban Festival, Highgate Festival and London Climate Action Week this year. We look forward to welcoming visitors on our opening weekend and across the year ahead,” said OmVed Gardens founder Karen Leason.
