(Image: Rooted Gardening York)
A new sensory garden has been created in York to welcome visitors and support wildlife.
The garden was built at Huntington Library in Garth Road over the course of less than one day through a community effort involving volunteers, Explore York, and local businesses.
Led by library manager Lee Barlow, the project benefited from a grant secured by former manager Jo Shanks through the corporate giving platform Neighbourly.
Lee said: "The two beds which run the length of Huntington Library beds had been neglected and were completely overgrown.
"We wanted to create something which would welcome visitors to the library, as well as benefiting local wildlife.
"The turnout we had last week was brilliant and it was amazing to see what the team achieved.
"We were delighted to receive the grant from Neighbourly, but it’s taken a lot of people working together to make a sensory garden a reality."
Around a dozen volunteers from GoodGym York, the operational team at the library, and the wider community worked alongside garden service Rooted Gardening York to transform the space.
The planting scheme was designed by Kate Mathews of Rooted Gardening York.
She said: "I’ve loved being part of this project.
"Huntington Library is next to a children’s playground and opposite the primary school, so it’s very much in the heart of the village.
"The scheme works with vibrant ‘sunrise’ colours of purples, oranges and pinks with white accents which will work to intensify the other colours.
"The plants selected will appeal to visitors’ five senses, incorporating beautiful sights, sounds, smells, textures and tastes, as well as being pollinator friendly.
"Working within quite a limited budget, we saved plants where we could and complemented them with plants selected to thrive in clay soils, so capable of withstanding both hot, dry summers and wet roots in winter."
Mr Barlow said: "There’s something for everyone at Huntington Library – we’ve everything from children’s crafts and reading challengers to adult reading groups and social drop ins such as Knit and Natter.
"And of course, that’s not to mention all the brilliant books!
"If you haven’t visited for a while, please do come down and see what’s on offer right on your doorstep."
Huntington Library has invited volunteers to help maintain the new garden.