Le Jardin d’Eutychia > Ireland and Northern Ireland Garden of Peace, 2018

Le Jardin d’Eutychia > Ireland and Northern Ireland Garden of Peace, 2018

Péronne was occupied by the Germans during most of the Great War and the town suffered heavy losses during the conflict. In the moat of the castle, landscapers Peter Donegan and Ian Price, representing Ireland and Northern Ireland respectively, designed the Garden of Eutychia which is named after the Greek goddess of happiness. They wanted to design a garden which was welcoming, and which does not belong to anyone except the families of visitors and their children: the trees provide shade and fruit. The garden is not visible from the road and is six metres below street level. It takes full advantage of its sunken position, providing a haven of greenery concealed from the public eye. Four large picnic tables stand among the wild flowers, in the shade of apple, pear and cherry trees, with fruit just waiting to be picked. Finally, wide benches made from local sandstone provide the opportunity for a welcome rest below the castle walls.