Last month saw the opening of Congleton’s Just Bee Garden, designed by 12-year-old schoolgirl Annabel Jackson.
Annabel designed the garden as part of a BBC Radio 2 competition with The RHS and her design made it through to the shortlist of 20.
From there, Patti Pinto from Congleton In Bloom picked up the baton – and approval was granted for the project in February after conversations with the local authority.
Tree planting began in April, and three months later – on 15th July – a crowd of more than 100 people gathered to see the garden officially declared open.
The Just Bee Garden is situated in Congleton Park, and the opening ceremony was attended by children from Saint Mary’s Catholic Primary School and The Quinta Primary School.
They were joined by volunteers from various groups – including Congleton in Bloom, Trees for Congleton, the community gardeners, Congleton Food4free and Friends of Congleton Park.
MP Fiona Bruce helped Annabel cut the ribbon, and there were refreshments made available.
Patti Pinto said: “I saw Annabel’s design and was keen to create a new garden based on her design here in Congleton Park.
“My revised design – adapted for the site of the old putting green – was accepted by Cheshire East Council, Ansa and Congleton Town Council in January.
“On 15th April a group of volunteers including Annabel and her family planted the first tree – fittingly, the last of the 70 cherry trees for the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
“Since then, over 150 volunteers of all ages from Congleton and beyond have spent hundreds of hours digging, planting, weeding and deadheading.”
Adam Linnet from Cheshire Wildlife Trust commented: “Everyone at Cheshire Wildlife Trust is incredibly impressed with what’s been done with this garden.
“The story behind it is incredible and the outcome is fantastic.
“It’s a brilliant case study for us to show other Cheshire residents what they can achieve in their local spaces.”
The garden incorporates trees, hedges, wildflowers and perennials – and in total there are more than 1,000 plants that are good for bees.
It also includes two mini drystone walls, five oak benches, a bog garden and a rockery – all encompassed within an 18m circle.
