The planting was to create a wildlife border for bugs, bees, hoverflies and butterflies and provide a haven of nectar-rich flowers in a free draining sunny spot, ideal for attracting insects.
The Green committee of the Saintfield Development Association was successful in obtaining a grant from the Live Here, Love Here campaign of the Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful initiative. This funded the plants from Saintfield Nurseries, who also gave advice on the ornamental flowering plants.
The Saintfield Community Estates Partnership, acting for the residents, involved the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in the project. They helped to draw up the plans for the garden and provided the site in Queen’s Park and all the hard landscaping.
The garden comprises a paved pathway, two pergolas for climbing plants, a bench encompassed by two wooden retainers and a flower and shrub bed.
The children of St. Mary’s Primary School constructed a “bug hotel” for the garden to encourage insects; and pupils from Academy School assisted with the planting.
SDA volunteers planted up the garden and will care for the flowers, while local residents will look after the borders and regularly water the plants.
The garden was officially opened by Nicola Fitzsimons, Community Development Officer with Love Here, Love Here at a small ceremony attended by those involved.
The garden will provide an area of colour and tranquillity in Queen’s Park and will help to beautify the area.