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.