Summerhill neighbours launch ‘small but perfect’ ornamental city garden

This might brighten up your walk to work.
A new ornamental garden has popped up on the edge of a carpark on Summerhill South towards Capwell.
Launched this week by Lord Mayor Cllr Fergal Dennehy, the garden is the culmination of hard work by students studying Horticulture LTI at Ardfoyle, alongside community volunteers.
The new garden is not only a sight for sore eyes, but a wonderful transformation of an eye sore. The area now abundant with a variety of pollinator friendly blooms, was previously scattered with litter and the colourful shrubs and flowers have brought beauty, calm and peace to a neglected patch while offering an opportunity to city-
living locals to nurture a garden of their own.

The area was transformed by the Douglas Street Business Association and Horticulture LTI under the
direction of Larry Lynch, thanks to funding by the parks department of Cork City Council
“Lots of people living locally don’t have the space or opportunity to enjoy their own garden.” said Justine Looney from Cork Flower Studio.
“The Ornamental Garden is for everyone. It belongs to us all and it’s a great way to be out in nature and get to know people locally.”
The Ornamental garden is one of two within a stones throw on Summerhill South. The Ronnie Herlihy Pocket Park, named after the late local historian, is just to the other side of High street (in front of Langford Row). Equally abundant, the Pocket Park is also maintained by team of volunteers who meet on the first Saturday of the month.
Justine says “We don’t take it too seriously, it is as much about the coffee as the gardening! We would love more people to be involved. I can’t emphasise enough how NO experience is necessary.”

