THE children of Mitcheldean have done their bit to help transform the Cross Garden at the heart of the community.
"They really played a big part in it all," said Pat Nixon, who added that work was now in progress to install wooden seating.
What has now emerged from the mud is a millennium project to be proud of, part funded by the parish with money matched by the district council on a pound-for-pound basis.
The garden was designed by Neil Rudge of Countryside Services, Wigpool, and has a heath theme with plantings to provide something of interest year-round. The emphasis was on low maintenance.
Ann Johnson, Ian Williams and members of the parish council and their families helped to prepare the site, and stones were provided by George Read while heavy machinery came from Trevor Scrivens.
Plants were donated by Nikki Taylor, Mary Ralph and Gill Lawrence and Kerri O'Sulllivan helped with the planting.
One of the final touches that made the initial phase complete was the removal by the British Legion of its notice board, which has given an open look to the whole feature.
That is not the end of the matter – lighting is also being planned.
"To round it all off a parish map is envisaged," said Mrs Nixon.
"If anyone has a view of what form the map should take, please put the ideas on paper and pop them in to the Town Hall."