Reflection Space-Oadby
Some of you may have noticed changes at this little patch of green opposite St Peter’s Church. Pride of the Borough are working with OWBC to rejuvenate this area. The pavers at the back of The Sensory Garden bed had become very uneven, due to the roots of the three cherry trees, and were deemed a trip hazard. The Council, with the help of PotB, successfully applied for a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to re-lay the pavers. The Oadby Village Hall Trust have also donated £1000 to the project and PotB have donated £500.
The repair of the pavers unfortunately necessitated the removal of the three cherry trees as if left in place their roots would continue to cause problems. The trees were removed in early October 2025 creating a much lighter more welcoming space. In early December contractors lifted the pavers, took out the offending roots and re-laid them.
A Sorbus commixta ‘Embley’, (a type of Rowan), has now been planted in the flower bed to replace the cherry trees. This tree has been chosen for its small stature, white spring flowers, gorgeous red and scarlet-orange foliage in the winter and deep red winter berries. It is also good for wildlife, and its light feathery foliage will allow us to plant more flowers in the bed to give summer and autumn colour.
In addition, a Koelreuteria Paniculata tree, (also known as Golden Rain tree), has been planted in the grass behind the Sensory Border, and a mixture of small upright and spreading conifers, together with four weeping Ceanothus, have been planted along the fence at the back of the park.
The two wooden benches were removed for re-furbishing and have now been reinstalled. In the front bed we have started to plant up this space and have continued to do so through the spring. Our Ad Hoc team has made valiant efforts in preparing the ground and planting a suitable selection of plants for the enjoyment of the community.
We are now in mid-summer and it is good to see that the benches are being used and the border has come to life.
We will be carrying on with planting throughout the year.