V&A community garden blooms

New attraction designed by people with mental health issues unveiled

A garden designed by people living with mental health issues has been unveiled at Dundee’s new waterfront.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony at the V&A community garden was attended by members of the public who were involved in the design, as well as volunteers who helped plant the flowers, shrubs and grass.

Live music, food and speeches marked the official opening of the 100sq-m garden yesterday.

V&A Dundee communities producer Peter Nurick said: “The V&A community garden has been designed and created by the people of Dundee for the people of Dundee.

“It began as a project to look at how design can actually support people living with and recovering from a range of complex mental health conditions.

“A series of workshops took a group of approximately 20 individuals through each step of design process, right from research, photography, interviews and understanding the site, all the way through to drawing, sketching and model-making at the end.

“The co-design team worked hard to make this a space where people can gather, relax and reflect.

“The hard work of the volunteers has really brought the garden to life and we are hopeful that local people will continue to help us maintain this space as it grows and evolves.

“I would also like to thank the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, as without their support this project would not have been possible,” he added.

The team was helped by professional designers Linsey McIntosh and Gary Kennedy.

As well as a place for relaxation, the garden will act as an extension to the V&A when it opens next year, providing a space for outdoor talks and events.

Included in the design is a small stage, a sunken area for people to gather and socialise in and a green ‘living wall’ which will provide shelter.

Clara Govier, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have awarded an incredible £825,000 to V&A Dundee since 2014 to allow them to work closely with people in Dundee and across Scotland.

“I would like to congratulate all the volunteers involved in this fantastic project.”

The Rank Foundation, Tesco Bags of Help and Careys Civil Engineering also supported the V&A community garden.

Pictures: Kim Cessford. Left: Students Luis Nicol, Tammy Juckiewicz and Brandyn Stewart view some of the sensory elements in the new V&A community garden, and, above, a view of the garden.

Peter Nurick says all the hard work has been brought to life.