With an abundant variety of plant life, vibrant ponds teeming with activity and pleasant birdsong, the beautiful newly redesigned gardens at Marymount were officially opened on Thursday, July 4th.
Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Dan Boyle, cut the ribbon to bring to reality the Marymount Garden Project , which was possible thanks to an exceptionally generous donation by Friends of Leukaemia Cork. The gardens are for the benefit of all families entrusted to Marymount’s care and each area has been sensitively considered to ensure a harmonious reaction between people and nature. It comprises The Arrival Garden, The Remembrance Garden and a wildflower spiral meadow situated on a land-protected fairy fort. Two ponds provide a thriving habitat for wildlife and enrich the biodiversity of the landscape. Over 20 species of bird can be heard throughout each distinct garden area.
The Garden was designed by Adam Hunt and Valerie Bond, winners of the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022 Best in Show award, in collaboration with West-Cork based landscaper Colm Cronin. Giving a talk at the opening, Valerie Bond said that “nature is so soothing, and we need it most in life-changing moments” – something which will be appreciated by all users of the facility.
AREA TO REFLECT
Speaking at the opening, Sarah McCloskey, CEO extended thanks on the completion of the project.
“We extend our sincere thanks to John and Imelda Reynolds and the committee for their vision and kindness and on behalf of our patients and families we assure them our new space offers interest and areas to reflect in a peaceful natural setting.”
12 Cork based artists were also invited to visit the garden to generate an artistic response, which will be used for future creative endeavours.
“We filmed each visit, and these videos can be viewed as part of our garden display in the foyer of Marymount. The garden can be seen changing through the seasons and growing into what it is now through this documentation. It really highlights how the garden can be a space that is reflective and can capture the imagination”, stated Enid Conway, Fundraising and Marketing Manager.
Cork based artists Sarah Long, Nicola Sheehan, Siofra Hill, Denise Cronin, Thea Mercer, Emer Kiely, Kate Dukelow, Tom Herdman, Mary Whitty, Siobhan O’Connor, Norma Healy and Siobhan Collins will each be contributing a piece of work inspired by the garden to create a calendar for 2025.
Dr McCloskey, CEO concluded by saying, “We are so enormously grateful to the sponsors of this project who have enabled the creation of a beautiful environment for patients, families and staff. The gardens are full of interest and offer calming areas to sit and reflect.
“The gardens are accessible and will offer a lovely space for outdoor Marymount events in the future, whilst preserving nature at its best. The designers created a stunning garden that will benefit everyone on site in Marymount,” she said.
