Documentary reveals heart-wrenching story of public garden powered by community action and imagination

In the summer of 2022, plants began to appear along the disused slipway next to Riverside Studios in Hammersmith.

Soon the space was transformed into an eccentric garden. Its architect was Seth El-Shaddai, who named the garden Bloomtide.

Louis Catliff, 29, of Hammersmith Road, has created a documentary about Mr El-Shaddai’s public garden. 

The filmmaker first contacted Mr El-Shaddai in June 2023, after visiting the garden when it was “at its peak”.

He said: “I was struck by the garden itself. 

“A toilet filled with violets leapt out as did several bathtubs full of tomato plants and half a dozen 10-ft high sunflowers. I was hypnotized. 

“Locals would gather around it, admiring the plants and wildlife. Seth had made a previously unsightly stretch of concrete a vibrant hub and place to be.”

Mr Catliff spoke to Mr El-Shaddai and they agreed to create the documentary together. 

But, Mr Catliff said: “As we were about to begin making the film about his gardening process, the council ordered him to remove the plants.”

Hammersmith and Fulham council officers told Mr El-Shaddai that the local authority needed to use the slipway in order to access the bridge. 

Mr Catliff said: “The documentary follows Seth’s attempts to find a compromise with the council and keep Bloomtide alive.”

But four months later, before an agreement was reached, Mr El-Shaddai was taken in by immigration services after he was unable to renew his visa.

Mr Catliff said: “He was kept in a detention centre for several weeks before being removed to Barbados.”

In Mr El-Shaddai’s absence, the garden fell into disrepair. It was removed and put into landfill by the council earlier this year.

Now, Mr Catliff hopes his documentary will revive Mr El-Shaddai’s story and shed light on his work for those who did not get to see the garden for themselves.

He said: “I want to encourage others to take action in their local community, no matter how small the scale, to improve the world around them and act with kindness and imagination. 

“His story is one of an individual defying the system and refusing to give up on his dreams against the odds. 

“He helped to create a community with Bloomtide and show people the possibilities of what forgotten spaces can become with a little imagination and a whole lot of hard work.”

Mr El-Shaddai’s charisma, wit and passion make him a captivating onscreen presence, Mr Catliff said.

The film was selected by Riverside Studios for their September programme and has enjoyed two sell-out screenings. Riverside Studios will host a third and final screening of Bloomtide on Sunday, September 29, at 2pm. 

Mr Catliff said: “I’m buzzing to have been programmed for multiple screenings by Riverside Studios. 

“I’ve been so inspired by the work they’ve programmed over the years and to have had Bloomtide watched by a sell-out crowd has been a ‘pinch me’ moment. 

“There is no better venue to watch this film in than Riverside as the story unfolds literally 10 feet from the building. People working there were even interviewed for the film.”

Hammersmith and Fulham council has been approached for comment.

Pictured top: Seth El-Shaddai in his garden by Riverside Studios during filming for Bloomtide (Picture: Louis Catliff)