Secret Garden discovered in Ennis

CLARE now has its very own Secret Garden. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ennis Tidy Towns have brought the children’s classic to life, beside Cois na hAbhna.
The Secret Garden, opened last Friday, reflects the theme of the Frances Hodgson Burnett book, “forgetting of oneself and living for others and through living close to nature, one will find oneself”.
The Secret Garden has a smaller area and a larger area. In the smaller area there is an archway of trees against a red door in the wall, which has been restored by members of the community and Ennis Tidy Towns, and also an arch on which honeysuckle and climbing roses will be planted.
It is planned to put toadstools, fairies and other magical creations in the undergrowth for children to discover.
In the larger area of the garden, there is a sunken garden with a high wall and an overlooking seat and stone ballustrade. There is also a limestone rock water feature, which resembles a mini waterfall.
Trees and flowers, including cherry blossoms, lilacs, pansies and poppies, are being planted in the garden.
Transition year students from Rice College, some clients and staff of the Brothers of Charity, the staff of Cois na hAbhna, Ennis Tidy Towns volunteers members of Clare Youth Theatre and other community members have been involved in the project.
The county library is donating books for people to read in the garden, while Clare County Council’s heritage office is donating nesting boxes for birds and plans to establish the garden as a special conservation area.