Sweet smell of success at new sensory garden
A fragrant and colourful sensory garden was officially opened by residents, supporters and guests last week at a small gathering at the Glen Estate sheltered housing development in Brodick.
The well-established garden has been a long time in the making with residents actively involved in helping to make it a reality, from planning to planting to the continued maintenance in the form of weeding.
Following landscaping developments and a funding boost from National Lottery Awards for All, the Glen Estate Tenants’ Association enlisted the help of gardeners Colin and Jo Totty, who started the project with an illustrated talk on designing and planting a sensory garden. With input and assistance and weekly gardening classes for the residents, not to mention many hours of hard work by Colin and Jo, the sensory garden started to take shape.
Built at the end of an easy to access pathway leading from the communal room, the garden and seating area is fully wheelchair and disabled access friendly and has been used by residents and visitors who have been adding their own touches to the garden.
The garden has been made in memory of past resident Betty Cover who loved the garden and frequently made use of it. A plaque in the garden is dedicated to her and Sal Ban- natyne, who now lives in Montrose House, but who spent many years there, including her 100th birthday celebrations, with her daughter Greta. In addition to these, an ornate sundial sits proudly in the centre of the garden, donated by friends and family, in memory of Jeni Faulkner.
Retirement housing co- ordinator Angela Glendinning said: ‘The gardens are looking beautiful and are proving to be very beneficial to the tenants. A lot of pleasure is gained from the beautiful surroundings. Mr and Mrs Totty have done a wonderful job in the upkeep of the grounds as well as some of the tenants. All in all it proved to be a good day with a good turnout.’
Lynn Ross, a tenant at Glen Estate, and Angela Glendinning officially opened the garden with Lynn once again thanking Colin and Jo Totty for their insight and hard work in creating the small oasis of tranquility in the garden.
A buffet banquet was laid out for visitors and residents and the many people who hold classes or activities with the residents all sat down to enjoy a tasty meal before joining others outside for a social chat.
The serene garden which has vivid and fragrant flowers – including among many others, lavender, mint, sweet peas, buddleia and dahlias – has been put to frequent use by the residents who enjoy spending time seated outdoors, and by the bees and butterflies which are already visiting the flowers.