Tinkering about in the garden

Collyhurst residents have taken a step back in time and recreated a style of garden that was popular in their community more than 300 years ago.

The green fingered residents of the Irk Valley Estate have developed a Tinker's Garden, which replicates a style of gardens from the 1600s, 1700s and 1800s.

Historically the Tinker's Garden was a place where people dressed up to stroll around and be seen.

Now residents of the Irk Valley Estate have joined forces and created their own Tinker's Garden as part of this year's Cheetham in Bloom entry.

The talking point of the garden is the display of 300 solar lights dotted amongst the trees that glow at night.

There is also a gazebo with hanging baskets and seated areas. Local children were involved in the project, researching the origins of the original Collyhurst Tinker's Gardens to ensure the design stayed true to type.

Now residents are keeping their green fingers crossed to see if their flowers, plants and garden designs are pick of the crop.

A team of judges from North West in Bloom visited the area last week to scrutinise the floral displays and rate them against others in the region.

As well as the Tinker's Garden, a number of projects have contributed to Cheetham's in Bloom entry including the transformation of two unused areas of land into Nasmyth and Batty Community Gardens, the continuing work by both Hamerton Bloomers and Manchester Jewish Museum as well as the creativity and hard work of the Irk Valley Estate residents and the Chime Bank Residents' Association.

And not only does Cheetham and Crumpsall Model Allotment Society traditionally provide the end of route point for the 'In Bloom' judges, members also give advice, support and practical help to both local resident and schools involved in the 'In Bloom' event.

Mary Armstrong, Chair of the Irk Valley Estate Residents' Association says: "Recreating the Tinker's Garden has been a wonderful project that young and old alike have been able to get involved in. The In Bloom competition encourages us all to take ownership of where we live and has a really positive effect on how we view our communities, it also discourages antisocial behaviour."

Cheetham has built up a strong record of achievement with the 'In Bloom' competitions over the last few years achieving recognition every year since 2005.

Councillor Richard Cowell, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Environment says: "Cheetham's In Bloom entry reflects the hard work and effort that residents have put into creating some wonderful gardens. The Tinker's Garden is a piece of local history and it is great to see it feature in modern times."

North West in Bloom aims to encourage local communities to improve and care for their local environment through imaginative planting of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping.

Conservation schemes and recycling projects are also taken into consideration when judging North West In Bloom, as are issues such as litter, graffiti and vandalism.

Cheetham in Bloom is part of the city council's year long 'Proud Of Manchester' campaign which encourages residents to take pride in themselves and their community.