As part of the Lilian Bland Community Garden project, in the first stages of the garden design, it was decided to include an art piece that could involve and inspire the local schools in the Glengormley area. St Marys on the Hill and Ashgrove Primary Schools P5 classes have both been involved from the beginning every step of the way, brainstorming, sketching, designing and creating the piece. Mosaic artist; Sally Houston was invited to take on the task of guiding the children through the creative process, along with Rosie Irwin, Trainee Biodiversity Officer with Newtownabbey Borough Council.
Over the past few weeks Sally has been installing the mosaic in stages. The children have been invited down to the garden to observe and to add to the biodiversity by rolling up their sleeves and planting some wildflower plugs of Red Campion and Primrose. Both of which will add colour and some much needed food sources for insects and wild birds.
On Friday 30th of November, the Mayor Alderman Victor Robinson and councillors along with the children, parents and community members were invited to the revealing of a mosaic piece in Lilian Bland Park as part of the new community Garden. Glengormley Community Group chair Catherine Hardy, Sally Houston and the Mayor were asked to unveil the final installation!
Lilian Bland Community Garden is funded by the Alpha Programme and supported by The Conservation Volunteers NI and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
