Work has started to transform land behind Alexandria Library into a sensory and fruit garden for use by the whole community.

Residents joined staff from the Leamy Foundation’s Learn and Grow project, to start building raised bedding. Six fruit trees will also be planted with the produce given to local schoolchildren once ripe.

Overall a range of fruit and vegetables will be grown including pears, apples, plums, cabbages, potatoes, chillis and more, as well as a variety of herbs.

On completion, the growing space will be an active part of Alexandria community food growing network hosting visits, training events and workshops which will encourage residents to grow their own food.

Kevin Mason, project manager at the Leamy Foundation, told the Reporter: “We will be working away between now and the end of March getting it ready for opening.

“It will be the latest accessible community growing space along with our one at St Mungo’s Church and at Alexander street with our friends at the Blue Triangle (Housing Association). These are resources, which are on the doorstep of residents, which is tremendous. Volunteer residents from these groups will be helping deliver activities at the new growing space.

“Its very central location in the middle of the community offers great access to local schools, nurseries and neighbouring residents.”

Read more: Sensory garden to be created behind Alexandria library

Comfortable seating will be installed, providing visitors with a place to read and study outside and benefit from access to the library’s free wifi.

The garden will be accessible to all users with the library’s wheelchair ramp being extended and paving stones laid to level the walking surface for visitors.

While, the installation of a new paved storytelling area will provide the opportunity to host author events, children’s Bookbug sessions and the Summer Reading Challenge outdoors.

Councillor Ian Dickson, convener of corporate services, said: “Alexandria Library is a popular branch with more than 50,000 visits a year and, once complete, the area will have been transformed.”