THE team behind a colourful community garden in Skelmorlie created with a much-missed local lady in mind have thanked local people for helping the horticultural haven bloom.
Members of Skelmorlie Garden Group have been working closely with residents to turn the outdoor space in front of the community centre into a place of contemplation and remembrance.
The idea for the peaceful community space came from Skelmorlie woman Eleanor McVicar, who sadly passed away on August 20, 2021.
(Image: George Munro)
Eleanor's husband Paul Downes said his wonderful wife would be 'ecstatic' to see how the garden has blossomed.
Paul said: "She would be absolutely delighted.
"It was always Eleanor's wish to have a community space that everyone could enjoy, somewhere people could come and sit and contemplate and relax.
"It's so lovely to see that we have that now."
The road towards setting up the beautiful outdoor space began at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
To keep busy during lockdown, Eleanor hand-painted an array of stones, and on her walks with Paul and her dog Smudge, she dropped them off at the doors of residents to bring a bit of joy in very difficult times.
(Image: George Munro)
She was also at the heart of creating the snake sculpture made out of stones which grew as people of all ages added their own stones.
A combination of Eleanor's wish for a community garden, and the village's determination to instal a memorial in her honour, has helped the outdoor space grow.
Skelmorlie Garden Group comprises a core group of five - Isy Agnew, Paul Downes, Kenny Stewart, Billie Walker, and Sarah Freer.
(Image: George Munro)
Isy said she likes to think of the space as a 'garden for the community'.
She said: "It's a place where people can just sit and remember people.
"We're seeing a lot more people using it now.
"I love gardening and this has been good for the soul.
"I planted all of the plants with reiki energy and I haven't lost one yet.
"I want to thank Paul for giving me the honour of helping with the project, and to see it where it is now is absolutely phenomenal."
The area of ground was owned by North Ayrshire Council before the top team took it on.
(Image: George Munro)
Group member Billie Walker and her daughters sorted everything out with the local authority.
Fellow group member Kenny Marshall said: "It's all well and good having a space but we knew we wanted to do something with it.
"It's all been down to hard work and Isy's leadership.
"It's all run by us and the community.
"Everything in the garden comes from donations from people in the village.
"It's very much a village effort.
"People feel like it's their garden now and want to contribute in whichever way they can."
(Image: George Munro)
(Image: George Munro)
The group have enlisted the help of members of Clyde Coast and Cumbrae Men's Shed to make planters, and are planning to instal beehives and bird boxes.
Local artist Sheila Adamson created the incredible artwork found on the benches within the garden.
It's hoped that Sheila will be teaming up with youngsters to create a colourful mural on the side of the community centre.
Paul said everyone involved has been an incredible support.
He added: "We're so thankful for all the support we've received from the community.
"Everyone in the village has been absolutely amazing."
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