‘Eyesore’ is now blooming lovely
Community garden opens
Alyth’s Toutie Street Community Garden was formally opened on Tuesday afternoon last week by Provost Dennis Melloy.
The Strathmore councillor praised and congratulated the hard-working team of Alyth in Bloom volunteers, led by Karin Donaldson.
The area had become a derelict eyesore but Alyth in Bloom volunteers spearheaded work over the past five years or so to make an attractive garden area where local people and visitors could relax and rest.
Alyth in Bloom chair Karin welcomed committee members and representatives of groups and businesses which helped with the landscaping and other work.
“The concept of making this area into a garden was started five or six years ago when we decided to re-start Alyth in Bloom,” Karin said.
“The area was an eyesore just wanting attention and once the group started Sue Pople again made the suggestion to bring the area back to life.
“After much to-ing and fro-ing with Perth and Kinross Council we got the go-ahead to start work. Lots of hard work with much laughter – plus very tired Bloomers – has produced a great result.’’
Karin went on to thank the many individuals and groups who helped.
She continued: “We are grateful to Elsbeth Bruce for all her help with the business side of things and keeping us right.
“John Ferguson brought his digger in to flatten areas and remove many tons of stones. John Robertson transported paving slabs we acquired from Perth and Kinross Council when the Square was upgraded and Ryan Croft arranged for workers and equipment to spread top soil and the laying the slabs for the path.
“An information signboard was made by Graham Davidson and we thank Alyth in Bloom members Linda and Sandy Martin for assembling the information for an attractive addition to the garden.
“Posts were supplied and erected by Alan Strachan. We are also indebted to Russell Taylor, a director of Alyth Development Trust, for all their support of Alyth in Bloom.”
Karin added her thanks to members of Alyth in Bloom for their continued support in all that they do for the town and people of Alyth.
Provost Melloy said he has had the pleasure of meeting many In Bloom groups throughout Perth and Kinross and very much appreciates all the planning and hard work which goes in to brightening up their communities.
He added: “The hard-working group of Alyth in Bloom volunteers are no different and have also worked hard to change an untidy area into a beautiful garden of which any community would be proud.
“Toutie Street Community Garden is testament to the Alyth in Bloom committee, led by Karen Donaldson and her hard-working team, who have transformed this derelict area for the benefit of their community.
“Other attractive areas include the small garden across the street from the Toutie Street garden at the Cross which is looked after by Sue People and friends.
“Another is as you enter Alyth where Ron’s wall was built with beautiful flowers and plants welcoming people into town. But the largest is the Alyth Burn improvement project, which is nearing completion.
“How fortunate we all are living in this town of Alyth with a community who work together. I thank and congratulate everyone who has been involved. I am proud of you all.”