Garden project to honour George

A project to create a garden in Bridge of Earn will become a tribute to a community champion who died recently.

Volunteer group Brig in Bloom want to create a new Brickhall Community Garden as part of their Bridging the Past project.

The project enters its final phase this spring and the group hope the garden will be a fitting tribute to member George Smith, who recently died.

Funding enabled Bridge of Earn residents and pupils from Dunbarney primary and Kilgraston schools to record stories about the village’s farming heritage between the 1940s and 1960s.

The final part of the project will create a garden which reflects the village’s history.

As well as paths and seating, the garden design includes dry stone walling and traditional native plant species.

A listening post will provide recordings of residents’ memories and the sounds of days gone by.

The garden will provide a haven for wildlife and offer a tranquil place to relax.

Landscaping work will be undertaken by a contractor.

Work is expected to take place between April and June.

It will culminate in a special opening event so everyone who has taken part in the project – more than 100 so far – can celebrate their achievements.

Brig in Bloom leader Avril Fulton said: “We are very excited to see our vision come to fruition. We thank everyone for their support.

“However, we are sad that local project champion George Smith passed away recently.

“We intend that the garden will also be a fitting memorial for his contribution to our community.”

Provost Dennis Melloy said: “Community groups such as Brig in Bloom contribute significantly to improving their local areas through volunteering and a desire to make a positive difference.

“My sympathies go out to George Smith’s family, friends and fellow volunteers.

“I am sure the Brickhall Community Garden will be a very fine reflection of his commitment to Bridge of Earn.”

The project has received support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Gannochy Trust, Perth and Kinross Council, the Lochelbank Wind Farm Community Fund, Awards for All and Tesco Bags of Help.

For more information contact Avril Fulton at a.f.fulton@icloud.com