THE Meldrum Community Garden Project will come to fruition this weekend following three years of hard work, with the official opening of the William Forsyth Community Garden on Saturday (September 27).
The ceremony will take place at around 10am. TV gardening expert Jim McColl will do the honours.
The Community Garden grew from the Rotary Club of Oldmeldrum looking for a worthwhile project to commemorate the centenary of Rotary in 2005. The pro
ject had to reflect Rotary ideals and "benefit and enhance the lives of the local community".
They identified a site at the southern entrance to the town within easy walking access for local residents and having magnificent views of the countryside.
Following a lengthy investigation the Rotary Club discovered that part of the site was owned by Meldrum Estates and the remainder by Aberdeenshire Council. After negotiations with both parties the land was gifted to the project, and in 2006 "The Meldrum Community Garden Project" became a registered company and in 2008 a registered charity.
Work commenced following the granting of planning permission and the site became the tranquil garden it is today thanks to the combined efforts of the local community and local businesses who donated expertise, materials, manpower and transportation.
When it came to choosing a name for the garden it was decided that it had to reflect "local history and heritage". William Forsyth was chosen due to his international renown as horticulturist. And botanist.
A native of Oldmeldrum he moved to London in 1763 to work for the earl of Northumberland. In 1779 he was appointed Superintendent of the Royal Gardens at Kensington Palace and St James' Palace for King George III.
He is credited with the creation of the first ever rock garden, published the highly influential "Treatise on the Culture and Management of Fruit Trees" and was a founder of the Royal Horticultural Society.
The flowering plant "Forsythia" was named after him. It was felt that it was fitting that the garden should be named after a giant of horticulture and a "son of Meldrum".
The Community Garden will still requires volunteers to ensure that it goes from strength to strength, in any capacity. For further details contact Andrew McCartney at a.mccartney642@btinternet.com or Christine Falconer at burnettcottage@googlemail.com or phone (01651) 842494.
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