Today, we’re delighted to be celebrating Poundbury Gardens’ 15th anniversary, reflecting on a decade and a half spent serving the community from the edge of Queen Mother Square.

While we’re unable to mark the occasion with the usual raised glasses and hefty cake, we are excited to reveal plans to undertake 15 community planting projects in commemoration of this milestone. Set to benefit charities, schools and essential service providers within Dorchester and the surrounding area, these projects will take place throughout 2021.

The first project to be announced is the creation of ‘The Garden of Hope’ at Damers First School in Poundbury, an outdoor space designed by the school to symbolise how the community has come together throughout the COVID-19 crisis, while also incorporating a memory garden. Ideas from pupils will guide the project and Poundbury Gardens will be providing plants, equipment and practical support to help bring it to life.

Individuals, families and groups have gone above and beyond for the community throughout the crisis, while enduring unforeseen challenges and having to put their lives on hold, so this seems like a fitting moment to look ahead to the future with these planting projects, symbolising renewed optimism and brighter days ahead.

‘The Garden of Hope’ at Damers First School is the perfect embodiment of this sentiment, so we’re delighted to be collaborating with the children and their teachers on this wonderful new outdoor space. I can’t think of a better way to kick off our year of planting projects and look forward to sharing details of the remaining 14 over the weeks and months to come.

Mike