Project Title: "Where Old Things Grow New Dreams"
In front of the entrance of our much-loved Muslim National School in Clonskeagh, Dublin,
space is precious, and nature has little room to flourish. A small patch of land has been
transformed into a vibrant celebration of creativity, sustainability, and remembrance using
planter tyres, CD wind spinners and sun catchers and tinned animals. Often overlooked due the
garden being fenced off, this area now stands as a testament to what can be achieved through
imagination, committed teamwork, and upcycling.
The garden, already home to a memorial bench honouring a much-loved and dearly missed
teacher, is the last remaining true garden space on our school grounds. Inspired by a desire to
bring beauty, colour and childish fun to this meaningful spot, a group of pupils embarked on an
ambitious project to rejuvenate the area using only discarded and unwanted materials.
The transformation began with tyres—soon to be disposed of by a local auto service centre.
Instead of heading to a landfill, the tyres were cleaned, spray-painted in a rainbow of colours,
and decorated by students to reflect their individual personalities and artistic abilities. Once
varnished for weather protection, they were transformed into unique flower planters, bursting
with blooms and pride.
Next came the humble food can. Rather than ending up in the recycling bin, many were
repurposed into delightful animal characters, each carefully painted and designed to nestle
among the tyre planters. These playful additions brought even more life and charm to the
garden, hopefully sparking joy in all who passed by.
An old steel watering can, once rusting in a corner, was given a new purpose as a centrepiece.
Painted and varnished, it now hangs gracefully from a branch of the overhead cherry blossom
tree, angled as if to pour water onto the flowers below. From its spout, soft fairy lights cascade
like magical droplets, glowing gently in the dusk and lending an air of enchantment to the space.
To enhance the spirit of kindness and positivity that the garden represents, the children
introduced a kindness rock garden. Dozens of stones were collected, painted with inspirational
words, cheerful patterns, and imaginative themes. This colourful display invites all who visit to
reflect, smile, and take a moment of peace.
Finally, a collection of old, defunct CDs—once destined for the bin—were turned into
shimmering wind spinners and sun catchers. Decorated with care and hung from the cherry
blossom’s branches, they catch the light and dance in the breeze, adding sparkle and
movement to the ever-evolving garden.
What began as a plain garden is now a lively, colourful sanctuary—built entirely through
upcycled materials and the passionate hands of students determined to make a difference. It
honours the past, brightens the present, and inspires a future rooted in sustainability, creativity,
and care within the school. This little garden proves that even the smallest spaces—and the
simplest discarded.
