Sun out at the Walled Garden

Aug 19 2008 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

SATURDAY’S sunshine came at the right time for local charity Perth & Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS) as it celebrated its annual summer extravaganza at The Walled Garden. Locals and visitors to Perth flocked to see the beautiful gardens in the grounds of Murray Royal Hospital and enjoy the party atmosphere.

SATURDAY’S sunshine came at the right time for local charity Perth & Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS) as it celebrated its annual summer extravaganza at The Walled Garden. Locals and visitors to Perth flocked to see the beautiful gardens in the grounds of Murray Royal Hospital and enjoy the party atmosphere.

Staff and clients at the mental health project joined forces to provide this annual event which showcases the best of their food and garden produce. Stalls and fundraising tombolas lined the gardens and provided no end of interesting displays for visitors.

Other voluntary groups, including Independent Advocacy, Birnam Day Centre and The Walled Garden’s sister project ‘Wisecraft’ in Blairgowrie, supported the event. Wisecraft organised a travelling exhibition of its work and offered a stunning display of paintings and woodwork items for the home and garden.

The Walled Garden, which helps adults recovering from severe or enduring mental ill health, enjoys the support of visitors every week. However the annual open day draws large crowds from around Perth & Kinross and helps with much-needed fundraising. Sales of plants, vegetables, artwork and garden furniture all contributed to a day’s takings of over £1700.

Walled Garden Manager Chris Goode commented: “It was a glorious day and we were really encouraged to see so many new and regular visitors enjoy the relaxing atmosphere in the gardens. The staff and clients all worked incredibly hard to make the day a success and we’re grateful to everyone who supported us.”

The Walled Garden café and gardens are open to the public from Monday to Friday throughout the year. For further information see www.thewalledgardenperth.co.uk.