St Andrews Garden Update

St Andrew's Garden Project

In 1971 the Penrith Rotary created a garden at the bottom of St. Andrew’s churchyard, on land that had formerly been a builder’s yard. The garden, comprising paths, trees, shrubs and flowers, became a popular amenity, but after 50 years it had become neglected and overshadowed by the trees.

Since 2018 the club has been refurbishing the garden in three phases.

Phase one consisted of:

• clearing the ground at the bottom end of the garden
• the installation of paths and the planting of some shrubs, plants and bulbs.

 
Phase two consisted of

• replacing the poor sandy soil with topsoil in three areas 
• we aim to complete this in time to plant bulbs ready for the spring of 2023.

We are happy to report that the planting of bulbs was completed and this Spring the crocuses are flowering for the first time.

They are providing a good show in the bright March sunshine and reinforce the key message END POLIO NOW.

For many years the Rotary movement has supported the campaign to rid the world of polio. The disease, which remains endemic in just a few countries, is poised to be the second human disease ever eradicated, after smallpox.  This is an international good news story which connects the generosity of Penrith people to this wonderful outcome.  The Crocus was chosen as the campaign symbol as the purple colour matches the dye painted on the fingers of children who have been immunised.

In thanking everyone who has supported Penrith Rotary to be part of this campaign I would also like to thank various local contributions which have helped with the refurbishment of the garden.