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New Orchard Garden at Dalweem

Celebrating the opening of The Orchard Garden Late in 2007 the Dalweem Garden Club members decided that, much as they loved the floral frontage, it had become overgrown, untidy and in need of a serious revamp.
The then Unit Manager, Mrs M Quinn, understood the problems, but wished to retain a garden for all to enjoy. So she called on Mrs Jenny Wyllie, Horizon Lunch Club Co-ordinator, and the Garden Club to come up with plans for a secure sensory garden, enabling all to use it for activities with staff, family, friends. Also, so they could stroll in it safely or for quiet moments of peaceful contemplation.

Mrs Wyllie (pictured right at the mid June opening) came up with an original plan after much discussion, especially the re-funding. Mrs M Quinn approached Cuil an Darrich and Donald MacNaughton Trusts boards with the plans, coming through with funding to start ground works and for future maintenance. Hughie Lambie and his workforce came on site, and from a basic plan got construction underway. There were many on-site adaptations, which they coped with extremely well, even the last minute changes were not a problem to them and nor did bad weather delays put them off for long. Soon fencing went up around the paths; the seating areas were laid out, then up rose the pergola and box bench.

Barhaul were extremely efficient trying to keep up with the supply of materials, which was no easy task, but well dealt with by Colin and his team. Much of this activity kept visitors to the Health Centre curious for weeks.
Then it was back to Mrs Wyllie’s team for furnishing, with water features, pots, plants, gravel etc, so yet more funding to find. Dalweem Comfort Fund set the ball rolling again; and in came many local generous donations and assistance to help us on our way. Early March buying and planting got underway, and by late May it was nearly complete, just a last push to get it all top dressed and tidy ready for our opening day.
To all who have supported or assisted us to bring this project to its completion, especially those unable to attend the opening day, the Orchard Garden Project Team and garden users express their deep appreciation and grateful thanks. We feel sure that staff, residents, families and their friends will enjoy using this new facility, which is a superb asset to the home. And finally, we wish Mrs Quinn all the best in her new post.