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GREENS NORTON JUBILEE MEMORIAL GARDEN
The idea of a garden was born out of discussion about the best use of the remaining old allotment land, left over after the sale of land for affordable housing, in 1999.

The land, off Calvert Close and Cox Gardens, is owned by Northamptonshire County Council who has stipulated (made a covenant) that no buildings can be erected on this land. In 2001, NCC. leased the land to Greens Norton Parish Council for 99 years at a “Peppercorn Rent,” this being £1 a year, (if required!).

On behalf of the Parish Council Jonathan Kingsleigh-Smith has worked with the Countryside Agency to reach their criteria for funding from their Doorstep Greens Fund. A committee comprising Greens Norton residents, representatives of the Parish Council, a landscape architect Jonathan & Dorrie Kingsleigh-Smith has met regularly to formulate plans and to keep the public informed. They are now a committee of the Parish Council so agendas and minutes of the meetings are put on the village notice board. On the 13th and 14th December 2002 an exhibition showing the proposed possible plans for a garden was shown in the Methodist Church Room.

The committee decided to call the project the Jubilee Memorial Garden as it was originally hoped to start work in the Jubilee year. The Memorial title is because a number of Greens Norton residents whose relatives or friends have died have expressed a wish to give something in their memory to the village. Residents have already offered contributions towards the cost of seats, trees and plants in memory of their loved ones It is expected that this memorial offer will continue during the life of the garden---99years plus. The committee hopes that a haven of peace and tranquillity will be created and frequented by villagers of all ages.

Incorporated in the garden are low wooden stepping-stones which pre-school nursery aged children can use. The aim is to make the garden a place all ages and abilities can relax, reflect and enjoy the senses of it as they wander or sit.

On the practical side it is low maintenance and colourful all the year as well as a sensory garden. The Planning Department of South Northamptonshire Council have stipulated that the gates of the garden must be locked from dusk to dawn to minimise vandalism.

The Countryside Agency staff have been supportive and helpful to the committee throughout the planning stages. In September 2002 The Countryside Agency awarded The Jubilee Memorial Garden a Project Preparation Grant.

Northamptonshire County Council and South Northamptonshire Council have each kindly donated a sum of money and the Parish Council has set aside a donation for the garden.

The Parish Council invite you to - ‘Adopt’ a Flowerbed…..

The Greens Norton Jubilee Garden has a central circular flowerbed that currently contains Miniature Roses. We feel it was a ‘missed opportunity’ as the flowerbed would be the perfect place for some seasonal colour. Would any keen gardeners (individual’s or organisation’s) like to ‘adopt’ the flowerbed to ‘showcase’ their gardening talents. As you’ll see when you next visit the garden, it’s a small area so wouldn’t take too many plants (or too much time) but, would make a real mark on what’s maturing into a rather nice area of the village.

Further information, offers of help or donations to Greens Norton Parish Council