Art gallery garden opens at Walsall Arboretum

A £50,000 gallery garden has opened at Walsall Arboretum following a petition of support from more than 400 people.

Arboretum User Group members Jackie Cocken and Jo Lester came up with the idea for the feature, which is the first of its kind in the country.

It will be a space for local artists, photographers, residents, schools and community groups to show their work.

An opening ceremony was performed by Mayor of Walsall Councillor Dennis Anson. Mrs Lester said: "The Gallery Garden is a showcase for all and we want people to be proud of the local talent that Walsall boasts."

The garden boasts a contemporary keys design created by lecturers Helen Wood and Darren Rudge from the Cedars Horticultural Unit of the City of Wolverhampton College.

Visitors can check out double-sided display cases which will showcase paintings, drawing and poems along with a plinth for 3D sculptures and art work.