The Blein Yn Ellan Ain Garden (Our Island Garden) a small national garden in St. John's. The Garden 'is a celebration of the Island and an appreciation of what makes the Isle of Man a special place, as seen through the eyes of our Island’s Children. Seventeen primary schools from across our Island worked to create the garden, based on their interpretation of the environment around them and what makes the Island such a special place to live and go to school in. (
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The Garden was opened on 25th June 2018 to coincide with the start of the two-week celebration of the Island's flora and fauna, the 'Full Bloom Fortnight'.
Children form 18 schools were tasked with designing a garden that would be a celebration of the Island's UNESCO Biosphere status and to portray what makes the Isle of Man a special place for them to live
Alongside the plots designed by the school children is a plot designed by the Island's Beekeepers'
The Garden was created for 'The Year of Our Island celebration in 2018. It is packed with pollinator-friendly plants, swathes of wildflower meadows which highlight the Island's flora, and is designed to encourage an appreciation of the Island's UNESCO Biosphere.
'Overall biodiversity is encouraged, with a wide range of bird visitors, including a recent sighting of entertaining long-tailed tits moving through surrounding foliage and hanging upside-down to feed.
Over the summer, butterflies are set to flutter in to feed on buddleia growing in profusion and, strolling around at dusk, you might spot a bat swooping by.
Family and wheelchair-friendly, the garden provides a welcoming location for a quick visit, or to spend longer relaxing in, perhaps enjoying refreshments at a bench or picnic table.
Presiding in the centre is the Manx Three Legs symbol, set in a circle above an outline map of the Island and encouraging activity, fun and reflection on our Biosphere environment and home.
There is a grassy area to play on, and lots of interesting detail to look at, providing an ideal setting for creative activities, treasure hunts and wildlife observation. With colour, fragrance and tactile elements, there is something for everyone to enjoy.' (
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A guide to the Garden can be found at the following link: (
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