Our main focus will be on a main ‘safe space’ 55+ pocket garden within the old drying green at Seaton House.
This rough design will be a starting point from which we will build, through ongoing consultations with all local residents & staff. This design was started by the incredible Rosalyn, along with Lewis, and we got involved thanks to Paula reaching out to us. FRESH is already in support of the Soup & Sandwiches sessions, restarting at the Early Learning Centre monthly in April.
We have been awarded some of the funding we applied for from the Health Improvement Fund, which will be an incredible start to this year. We are keen to have volunteers taking part, and would especially like any local resident who would like to add their thoughts, ideas or time to let us know. Additionally last year we were donated some of the parklets from Union Street. These are essentially decking squares, which we gladly will repurpose into the garden areas we have been granted permission to maintain.
You will see above within the area a large decked section. Above the bench/planter square we will erect a pergola or similar, to provide shelter from showers/ rain. Also requested was a garden swing, we aim to place one with a cover from the Aberdeen weather too. Some privacy screens would be placed, which also act as windbreaks. Tyres & planters would be repurposed, with easily maintained planting, so that residents can work on the garden as and when they please, in association with FRESH. The main request has been for fragrant flowers, colour, and some sensory items.
Due to limitations with funding achieved, we will not be doing huge displays at the front of Seaview House, but we are still able to provide a fantastic start and meeting the initial requests from residents. Please know that the difference the funding we have achieved will make an incredible start for the area, and we have been told we can always apply for more funds in future funding streams.
Initial requests were predominantly for roses. These had been there before, but were all removed following building works, so it is an opportunity to replace these. As well as to add in some other fragrant flowers, right in front of the building. This puts back on the map so to speak, considering the neighbouring 55+ blocks Seaton & Donview House both have large planters. But as an added extra we will also do the front side where there is another gravelled area, with an aim to cut through the ground covering and create 4 openings, approx. 1 metre diameter circles with displays of more colour and positivity.
To find out more about our 55+ opportunities please check out projects. Feel free to contact us via the contact page.
