Local residents bowled over by Pinnacle's green-thumbed gardeners

Thursday 2nd July

Arlington Lodge residents have been treated to a garden makeover, thanks to Pinnacle’s gardening team and, in particular, work experience gardener, Dale Brown.

Dale, 55, has been undertaking a NVQ, a nationally-recognised vocational qualification course, in horticulture and took part in an internship at Arlington Lodge.

Mrs Irena Kowalewska, the Secretary of Arlington Lodge Residents’ Association, commented: “We obviously are always very grateful for any help that we receive, but this time it was quite exceptional.  Dale Brown proved to be not only a very pleasant lady, she also impressed us with her very hard work, her enthusiasm and the knowledge and common sense… Once again thank you for the support Pinnacle is giving to our estate, it is greatly appreciated.”

"I was just part of a larger team and it is great to have all our hard work and efforts really appreciated by the residents of Arlington Lodge", said Dale.  "Gardening to me is a labour of love and now, at the age of 55, my new career.  Whilst the NVQ is really important, nothing can replace getting your hands dirty and learning on the job, something I will always be grateful to Pinnacle for," she added.

Dale has since successfully completed her NVQ, and will continue to work with Pinnacle’s team that manages Arlington Lodge’s gardens.

Edyta Busko-Mokone, Senior Contracts Manager for Pinnacle said: “We have received letter after letter of overwhelmingly positive feedback about Dale’s work and are delighted to now welcome her onboard full time.”

Arlington Lodge, in Brixton Hill, is regularly recognised for its well-maintained gardens, including winning the Overall Winner of Estates in Bloom 2008, as well as scooping the Best Kept Estate and the Best Community Garden award.

Pinnacle manages estates across London and the UK, and has worked with the borough of Lambeth since 2003.  The Pinnacle approach in Lambeth is very much one of supporting residents with horticultural advice and creating green initiatives on the estates, with projects such as water butt’s, composters and growing vegetables.  
 
Pinnacle is also working with a number of residents on estates across Lambeth - Portobello, Central Hill and Fitch Court with their preparation for Lambeth in Bloom competition later this year.