50 objects for 50 years. No 48. The Legacy Garden.
‘A society grows great when we plant trees in whose shade we shall never see’.
This quote is carved onto a stone plaque at the centre of the legacy garden opened by Martin Bean in 2013. It epitomises the generosity of our Alumni and donors who contribute to the Open University’s research projects and assist students in need.
The garden is dedicated to them and when you stroll through the gates you can view along the wall of the garden the plaques of dedication to the contributors to the future of the OU. These grow in number every year and the garden is often busy as family and fellow alumni attend events on Campus and view them as part of their tour.
Meticulously designed and planted, ‘the garden symbolises the generosity of donors, commencing with white perennial flowering plants, then bursting into full colour to indicate progress and fruition. As the legacy is living and long lasting, so is the garden. White is still present throughout the flowering seasons to remind us of the gift’.
With its plants attracting wildlife such as birds, bees and butterflies it is a wonderful, peaceful place to pause for a while for reflection and rest and is enjoyed by members of staff based at Walton Hall campus all through the year.
Originally a kitchen garden providing sustenance to the former residents of Walton Hall on the original estate, it is now is a beautiful space on a campus working to feed students thirst for knowledge.
With thanks to the author, Sarah Frain, a Support Manager in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The Open University.