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One World Garden |
Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of the Parks Committee will officially open the ‘One World Garden’ in Whitehead today (Friday 5th September at 11.30am). The ‘One World Garden’ has been developed as a multi-cultural community garden, providing a safe and attractive environment centrally based in Whitehead. The project was devised by local community group Brighter Whitehead and part funded by the European Union through the Interreg IIIA Programme which is managed by the East Border Region Interreg IIIA Partnership. The project was also funded by Carrickfergus Borough Council. Bill Pollock, Chairperson of Brighter Whitehead said “Whitehead Town is representing the Borough and Northern Ireland in Britain in Bloom 2008. The theme for Britain in Bloom this year is ‘Local Roots’ and we were keen to engage with this important theme. After some discussion with local stakeholders, including the landowner Carrickfergus Borough Council, it was thought that a suitable project would be a ‘One World Garden’. The brief for designer, Barbara Kelso Garden Design, was simple. The ‘One World Garden’ project should be a garden with trees, plants and shrubs to represent the different cultural groups within the area. The garden was designed not only as an educational aid but more importantly to bring people together i.e. different ages, different races and different local and international cultures. The Brighter Whitehead committee is delighted to see the completion of the project but more especially to see it being enjoyed by the people who visit it. The project appears to have impressed the Britain in Bloom judges who on their recent visit applauded the creativity of the garden. We are keeping our fingers crossed when the Britain in Bloom results are announced on 24 September in Chester.”
Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of the Parks Committee said “On behalf of Carrickfergus Borough Council we are delighted with the ‘One World Garden’ project. This is a welcome addition to the horticultural displays at Whitehead Recreation Grounds. The Garden has received funding from the Good Relations Sub Committee of Council which is particularly fitting given that we take pride in taking a Civic Leadership role in promoting cultural diversity and social inclusion. The Garden, to me, symbolises the ideal of many cultures and traditions co-existing in close proximity and harmony. I hope that the entire community will understand the significance of the Garden and enjoy it for many years to come.” The designer Barbara Kelso explained “The entire garden is circular in shape, symbolizing the world. It is further divided into six sections, each section representing the six continents (excluding Antarctica) of the world; Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Oceania and Africa. Each section has a planting bed, equal in size, this portraying equality within the world. The planting beds have an array of plants represented from each continent and posts placed on the outer boundary of each bed in a ‘wave effect’, symbolizes the oceans and seas of the world. “Pathways, lead to the centre of the garden, where there is a seating area to allow people from the entire community to meet together, to sit, relax, and socialise with each other, enjoying the environment that they are in. The paving has been laid in a circular pattern, flowing smoothly around the garden, encouraging people to explore the entire garden. The level and well-proportioned hard paving areas, also allows easy access for wheelchair users. People can sit in the centre of the garden and yet there is still ample room for other people to walk around the garden.”
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Carrickfergus Borough Council developed the Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative to brighten up the Borough,
to become a Borough of Flowers. Our objective is to make a Brighter Borough for the benefit of all citizens and visitors.
The Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative includes the Borough towns of Carrickfergus, Whitehead, Eden and Greenisland.
Carrickfergus Borough is located in County Antrim in Northern Ireland.
