SIX years ago, an area of wasteland next to St Peter's, the town-centre church in Fairwater, Llandaff diocese, was nothing but a jungle of briars and brambles. Now, thanks to the initiative of a member of the congregation of St Peter's, Ian Thompson, it is a community garden, attractive enough to open as part of the National Garden Scheme.

Volunteers were recruited from the congregation, and from the neighbouring school. Young offenders and people with learning difficulties also helped to dig out the brambles, chop down some of the trees, and create a haven of peace.

"There is so much for visitors to see and enjoy," the Vicar, the Revd Colin Sutton, says (above, with Mr Thompson). "There is a large pond surrounded by a small nature reserve, a long herb border, Welsh heritage apple trees, a wildflower circle, plus a hotel for bugs, and - our latest development - our small alpine rockery." The garden has been visited by the Princess Royal, who planted a tree as part of the restoration project.

This is the third garden supported by the Church in Wales to open under the National Garden Scheme. The others are at St Fagan's Church Primary School, Cardiff, and St Michael's College, both in Llandaff diocese.