Published on:
02
August 2013
Older people using Ludgate House Resource Centre in Alloa have a beautiful new garden to enjoy.
The project to create the garden has brought together service users, carers, staff and members of the local community and business community in a highly participative way.
You are invited to attend the official opening of the new garden at 12.30pm on Tuesday 6th August.
The idea to create a garden was instigated by service user Nancy O'Farrell. She wrote to John Marshall of local firm Marshall Construction to ask for help with materials to create the new outdoor space, after improving the garden for service users was discussed in service user forums. Mr Marshall generously donated four tons of gravel to the project which kick started the work.
Then, under the supervision of Council officers, offenders who have been required to undertake a community payback order by the Court, undertook many hours of unpaid work in the garden. They initially cleared all the overgrown bushes and weeds, pressure washed the slabs, painted the garden furniture and got the areas ready for planting.
Housing, Health and Care Convenor, Councillor Les Sharp, said: "The unpaid work squads have done a tremendous job, providing hours of hard work, which is appreciated by everyone involved. Our thanks also go to Marshall Construction and to everyone else who's kind donations have helped to create this wonderful outdoor space.
"During the recent spell of warm weather, service users have been able to enjoy lots of outdoor activities, including gardening and a barbeque. Ludgate House Resource Centre now has a lovely garden that service users can sit out in and enjoy. It has been designed to be safe for service users to walk around in on their own and I'm sure will be enjoyed by service users for years to come."
The garden includes a sensory garden area which features plants with an aroma such as lavender, mint, sage, rosemary and stock; plants that have a special feel to them such as lambs lugs; and plants that make a sound such a variety of grasses, in order that it can be appreciated by service users with sensory impairments.