Mythical enchanted garden to be built in Trowbridge Park

Sharl Adabashi, chairman of Friends of Trowbridge Park, showcased the plans to around 30 residents at the park this afternoon, at the Polebarn Road entrance opposite the police station.

The project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2019, will see the park welcome a haunted house, Victorian seating, Victorian figurines and artefacts, a Victorian waterfall and lots more, surrounded by a brand new wall and iron gates.

Mr Adabashi said: “It’s a very unique idea, I’ve certainly never seen it in a park before.

“The idea is to create something a little bit scary and mystical to attract people to the park. There will also be an educational aspect to it; overall it's going to be quite inspirational.

“We want people to look in their attics to see if they have any old Victorian figurines lying around that can be used in the garden – the more the merrier.”

Mr Adabashi estimates the overall project will cost between £20,000-£30,000 and is hoping the local community will support it by making donations.

At the launch event on Wednesday, Trowbridge in Bloom made a donation of £500 and a Trowbridge couple named Mike and Phyllis Prior donation of £1,000.

The Friends of Trowbridge Park is also waiting to see if the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) picks it as an example of a community garden, which would mean it will be featured in a television programme.

“We will find out if our application with the RHS is successful be the end of May – it will really put Trowbridge on the map if it is,” added Mr Adabashi.

“This garden will not only be a great attraction for families but it will also give local artists somewhere to display their work free of charge and we would love to hear from sculptors who are interested.

“We hope to start clearing the site by the end of June and then the building of the wall will begin, which will take between six to eight months.

“It’s very exciting and we can’t wait to get started – this will be a real asset to Trowbridge and will build on the town’s legacy.”

If you would like to donate, email Mr Adabashi on sharliban@yahoo.com.