The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Voices project provided the catalyst for the transformation of a patch of waste ground on the Wood End estate, but it's been the hard work of residents that made the garden dream come true.
A host of donations of time and materials from local companies and individuals, coupled with the hard work of Moira Rawlings and Maggie Smith of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ and the community itself saw the patch of scrub re-born as a green area for everyone to enjoy.
Of course, these things take time and it will take many months for the garden to reach full maturity but already, it has become an oasis for those living on the estate - and has tempted many out of doors who would not ordinarily leave their homes.
ΜύSomething to be proud of
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| Μύ |  | Steve gets stuck in to some hard work!
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For garden designer, project leader and general ring-leader Steve Spredborough, just seeing the curiosity and joy aroused in his fellow residents has made the project worthwhile.
"One chap in a wheelchair came out to have a look and he's not left his house for ages, that makes it all worth it," he said.
"I've lived here for 25 years and watched things deteriorate, but with this garden, we can restore a bit of pride to Wood End.
"We're building this garden ourselves and will be maintaining it and hope we can make something the whole community will be proud of."
ΜύTo see pictures from the new Wood End Family Garden, click on the Images button below to launch the gallery.
ΜύOnce Steve had come up with the design for the garden, the volunteers gathered on a sunny Monday in June to start work.
At first, volunteers were quite thin on the ground but as the five days of intensive work progressed, more and more people came forward to help.
| Μύ |  | Sam and Nicky join in with the hard work
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Perhaps most impressive of all was the hard work and dedication of some of the youngsters in the area, who pitched in to help as much as they possibly could.
The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ followed their example and dragged more volunteers along on the Wednesday as the Bob Brolly show was broadcast live from the site.
ΜύBy the time Bob and Fran arrived to broadcast their weekly gardening spot live from Wood End, things were already taking shape.
Before the gang started, the ground had litterally been scrubland, covered with patches of grass and weeds and very uneven.
Already, paths were crossing the site between the houses and the shops on the borders and it was time to start getting rid of the scrub and replacing it with plants, shrubs, flowers and bulbs for next year.
The team decided that during Bob's broadcast, they would endeavour to get one of the new raised rose beds built and, as the show is only three hours long and the roses weren't even on site, it was a tall order!
However, lots of hard work meant the race against time was won and a gorgeous rose bed stood as a timely reminded of what team work can achieve.
ΜύAs the week progressed, more was achieved. The rest of the flower beds were built and a section of the land was separated to form a wildlife garden.
Some concrete seats have been put in to encourage people to stay awhile and enjoy the planting and new environment.
| Μύ |  | Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Action Desk producer Maggie Smith pitches in
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Over the coming months, hundreds of bulbs will begin to emerge from the ground and the turf seed will take hold and by next year, it will be a thriving concern.
Soon, a plaque will be unveiled, bearing the name of the new Wood End Family Garden.
It's a precious resource, only made possible by the hard work and determination of locals with the help of the Voices project.
If you're passing, stop by and take a closer look. It's something to really be proud of.
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