Make it Flourish garden celebrates grand opening in Dunmow

The grand opening of the 'Make it Flourish' garden, next to Talberds Ley tennis courts, was held on Thursday, August 1.

Mayor Cllr Peter Childs officially opened the garden, and made a brief speech before cutting the ribbon alongside garden designer Cara.

Cara Thompson and Mayor Peter Childs at the grand opening (Image: Great Dunmow Town Council)

Cara launched 'Make it Flourish' during lockdown, presenting flower sow-alongs online which she now presents in person all over the country.

Last year she set up a community 'Make it Flourish Together' sow-along meet up, and has become an advocate for community growing.

Cara approached the council about the community garden in November last year. Several sponsors have helped bring the garden to life by supplying plants and landscaping equipment, including the Royal Horticultural Society, Core Landscape Products, Mr Fothergill's, Melcourt Industries Ltd, Sylva Grow and Zest Living.

Early stages of planting the garden (Image: Great Dunmow Town Council)

Residents who helped grow the garden also attended the launch, along with town councillors, the town clerk Amanda Lindsell and town council staff - including the grounds team who had helped in the early stages of planting.

Dunmow harpist Rachel Somerset played during the opening.

A spokesperson for Great Dunmow Town Council said: "It was a really wonderful day and the sun was shining!"

The council's grounds team (Image: Great Dunmow Town Council)

A bench and basket at the Make it Flourish community garden (Image: Great Dunmow Town Council)

Cllr Rod Jones volunteering at the garden (Image: Great Dunmow Town Council)

Flowers at the community garden (Image: Great Dunmow Town Council)