New garden blooming at The Salvation Army in Winton

A new garden is blooming after The Salvation Army in Winton joined forces with a local business and a charity-run nursery for a garden makeover this week.

The church and charity’s garden in Latimer Road was transformed thanks to Cherry Tree Nursery, which provides voluntary work for people suffering from mental illness, and the Bournemouth office of insolvency practitioners Antony Batty and Company.

Cherry Tree Nursery designed planting to suit the soil in the garden, while Antony Batty donated a van load of plants and accessories with a team of six staff members from the Bournemouth and Salisbury offices helping to plant them.

The initiative, which took place on Tuesday and has been supported by Sir Conor Burns MP for Bournemouth West, came to fruition after Tina Shave, Salvation Army centre manager spoke to Maria Tidy, community liaison officer at Cherry Tree, about how the garden could be enhanced.

Tina said: “During the day our garden was transformed.  A sensory area was created especially for our Tuesday sensory group to enjoy.  A bug area was enhanced using the bug hotel made by our youth group in the shady area where little else grows.  Weeds were pulled, holes dug and our garden became something quite beautiful.  This is an area to be enjoyed and we look forward to it being a haven of peace and tranquility, a sensory experience and a place to have fun too.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to both Cherry Tree Nursery and Antony Batty for giving their time and money to this.”

Elaine Wilkins from Antony Batty’s Bournemouth office said she has known Maria for some time and has worked on many charitable projects together.

She explained: “When the opportunity for Antony Batty to work with The Salvation Army to make over their garden came up it was a natural alliance to get our plants and supplies from Cherry Tree Nursery.

“We have a strong mental health philosophy, and we are delighted to make a difference to the mental health of the local community by supporting both charities.”

Ray Alderton, Cherry Tree Admin and Events Coordinator, said he was delighted to be able to support The Salvation Army garden project.

He explained: “We have chosen plants that are pollinator friendly to encourage more wildlife to the garden along with sensory plants that will encourage both children and wildlife to enjoy the garden.”

Sir Conor Burns, MP for Bournemouth West, also visited The Salvation Army on the day and lent his backing to the makeover.

He said: “It was a pleasure to visit The Salvation Army and see the wonderful transformation happening thanks to the volunteers in the garden.  This place is one of hope, company and sanctuary for so many locally and it is great to see the garden added as an extra place for people to enjoy.  It was wonderful to meet and chat to local residents who come to enjoy some food and social company each week.”