Local MP Lynne Featherstone, Mayor Alan Dobbie and Councillor Dhiren Basu last Saturday helped inaugurate a community garden behind Highgate Library in Shepherds Hill, an event that drew a diverse crowd reflecting the community alchemy they hope it will enhance.

Those who had contributed to the development of the intimate garden over the past year, committee members of the Highgate Library Action Group (HLAG) and its chairman, Ms Susan Chinn, were joined by local residents for the festivities.

Tea and cakes began the day together with stories for children who received goodie bags from the Library Service. Later, wine and antipasti were offered in line with the Italian theme chosen for the evening. Local tenor Neil Simon delighted women in the audience, handing each a long-stemmed red rose as he performed ‘O Sole Mio’, which was followed by a reading of garden-related poetry from Word for Word’s Brian Focherty and Vivienne Fogel.

Work on the community garden designed by Beyond Eden Ltd, began in September 2007 and is considered ongoing. Paths leading to secluded benches, a log-filled play area and a gardening area where children will be taught how to grow small-sized plants they can easily handle, surround the main activity patio.

The objective, stated Ms Diana Edmonds, Assistant Director of Culture, Libraries and Learning, is to have, “A garden around every library,” because, she added, “We’re in a very built-up area so wherever possible we want green spaces to encourage wildlife. It’s important that we use our space ecologically well,” for which reason plants that attract and sustain bees and butterflies will be included.

The lion’s share of funding, approximately £10,000, came from the Big Lottery Fund, administered by BBC through their Breathing Places programme. The remainder came from HLAG with a matching grant from the Library Service.