CHINESE lanterns and 5,000 crocus bulbs now fill the outdoor space once overgrown and covered in brambles.

This is just the beginning of Colchester councillor Mike Hogg’s final vision for the Oaktree Centre, in Harwich Road, Colchester, which just underwent a £12,000 revamp.

More than 60 people witnessed Mayor Gerard Oxford launch its new sensory and memory garden, sponsored by Waitrose, signifying a year-long slog.

For Mr Hogg, who has had a leading role in the community centre association for about 35 years, this is step one of three.

He said: “Lots of people have come and gone in this time, volunteer gardeners have slipped away and the space was becoming a nightmare to keep tidy.

“I thought how much more pleasing would it be to create a space where people can sit and reflect, bring their grandchildren and children, and socialise.

“It would be nice to see granddad and grandma sat in the garden while the children jump around on play equipment. It just enhances the entire offer for the community.”

Professional gardener Scott Brooks and builder Perry Holly brought the garden to life alongside volunteers which Mr Hogg nicknamed The Last of the Summer Wine crew as they have an average age of 75.

The cost was met by Colchester Borough Homes, King Coel’s Kittens, the community association plus the locality budgets of ward councillors Mr Hogg, his wife Helen Chuah and Paul Smith.

Although the centre is already popular with resident and church groups as well as people who book the centre for occasions, Mr Hogg saw more could be done.

Gazette:

Oriental - Chinese lanterns line the length of the garden

He said: “Our old constitution at the centre says we should have an area of benefit.

“Beforehand this was just anywhere someone could grab a space.

“But there are three parts to the project. The biggest one is what we just completed and I’ll be approaching people for grant funding for the next two phases.

“Acorn Hall, which is inside the Oaktree, is the original hall, but I’d like to put a bar in and create new access so there can be an outside drinks area.

“I have lots of plans, we never stand still.”

Probably one of the most touching aspects of the garden, which is still being developed, is having a way for individuals to remember their loved ones.

One idea is to have engraved memorial plaques hanging from a pergola or rose bushes.

The purple crocus bulbs signify an international Rotary Club campaign, Purple 4 Polio, to eradicate the disease worldwide.

The striking plants were donated by the Rotary Club of Colchester Centurion and its equivalent in France.

Mr Hogg added: “At night, the lanterns looks sensational and it means people can use it in the evening.

"Over time we’ll enhance and tweak the garden furniture and continue to develop it.”