TV gardening shows might be big on creating instant gardens, installing water features and mature trees, but that gives a false impression. Arcadia Park, Kirkwall, is a wonderful example of a community led project where you can see a public garden evolve and change with inspired planting.

In July the trees are in full leaf and many shrubs bursting into flower.

Arcadia Park is maintained by volunteers and is located on what was a bit of ground, opposite Balfour Hospital, which was lying unused. In 2017 Orkney Alcohol Counselling and Advisory Service (OACAS) took up a maintenance agreement with Orkney Islands Council for the site and it had an important role in supporting young offenders. They worked with what was then the Orkney College part of UHI.

Unfortunately in 2020 OACAS folded but out of it grew the Arcadia Community Park Group. 

An area of the park which was put aside for the Biodiversity area where the large meteorite sculpture is, remains closed off as this part of the project has had to be put on hold.

However, the trees have really come on and there a lots of pathways for young and old to enjoy.

The only formal bedding is in the area beside the rose barrels, and it is looking really good. Many public parks across Scotland have embraced rewilding areas and now no longer have formal planting, but there is still a place for this kind of seasonal splash of colour.

And there are lots of areas ideal for encouraging a variety of wildlife to enjoy the park too.

There are lots of plants ready to burst into flower still.

Fiona Grahame