An inspection following inclement weather in January 2007 a Monterey Cypress tree (Cupressus macrocarpa) in Tessier Garden found to be unsafe. To facilitate its removal and in the interest of public safety the park was closed for a few days to allow contractors to remove the tree. A section of the tree accidentally damaged the old rose archway during it's removal. As the archway was an important feature of the garden, a replacement was sought. David Ogilvie Engineering Limited commissioned to design and manufacture a replacement structure. In May 2007 Gordon and Jan ( Polish pronounced Yan) company fitters transported via lorry the prefabricate structure to Tessier Garden from their engineering works in Kilmarnock Scotland.

Due to access difficulties, they had carry the metal sections into the garden from their lorry parked  outside. Over a period of three days in brilliant May sunshine the structure was assembled watched by the many visitors to the garden. Each day as the installation gradually took shape the number of onlookers grew as did the many favourable comments. Holes were dug for the uprights the metal framework was bolted together piece-by-piece with stainless steel bolts.

Finally, the last of the thirty-six supporting posts was cemented in place and covered with soil. One hundred and thirty six sections of black powder coated (see article below) galvanized steel approximately 34 metres long, 3 metres wide,2.6. metres high form the impressive architectural feature.

                             (electro-forritic application of powder coatings)

The component first under goes a pre-treatment cleaning preparation process of degreasing rinsing, stabilising and drying to enable the powder to adhere.  Then suspended (earthed) and an electrical charge is passed through which attracts the negative powder (a mixture of fine particle of solid resin, pigments, charge agents and additives).

Then the component is placed in an oven and baked, at a high temperature 200C where the powder particles melt fuse and bond to the metal surface, which form a corrosion resistant and durable film with a life expectancy of approximately 15 to 25 years.

A 'Donate a Rose ' scheme aroused a great deal of interest and has been implemented, donated roses include:

Allgold climber fragrant yellow, Childhood memories climber scented pink, Compassion climber scented salmon, Crimson Glory climber fragrant red, Devonshire maid climber scented, pink, Ena harkness climber fragrant crimson, Etoile de Holland climber fragrant crimson, Jolly roger floribunda scented orange, Fragrant cloud hybrid tea scented pink, Wedding day rambler fragrant creamy white.

The roses in situ in the walk through archway plus those donated will in time twine their way up and over the structure and form a colourful and scented display along with the established dahlias.

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                                                          ©J.M.L. 2008/09/10