A MEMORIAL garden for murdered Didcot teenager Jayden Parkinson planned to open by the end of the month will reflect her “vibrancy and energy”.

Work is under way on the garden that was proposed by the 17-year-old’s family, who wanted a place for her loved ones to reflect in peace.

The former Didcot Girls’ School pupil was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Ben Blakeley in countryside south of the town on December 3, 2013.

The garden’s site has now been cleared and work is to start on laying hardstanding and putting in a memorial plinth, bench, borders and edging at land off Foxhall Road, Didcot.

Jayden’s friends and family will be invited to plant trees and shrubs on Saturday, February 28, which is expected to be the final stage of the work.

Land was allocated by housing association Soha Housing and the work has been carried out by Aspire Oxford, which creates work placements and jobs.

Head gardener Gez Porter said: “I’m thrilled to get the chance to lead on such a meaningful community project, and it’s a great opportunity for Aspire to put their expertise to good use to support a family in need.

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“Jayden’s garden boasts all-year-round interest with a varied choice of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs and herbs – many of which represent the vibrancy and energy that Jayden had during her short time.”

Materials have come from companies including Burford Garden Company, Chilton Skips, QLawns, Homebase and Bampton Garden Plants.

People have also been invited to contribute to a book that will be given to the family when the garden is completed.

Jayden’s mother Samantha Shrewsbury said she was thrilled to see work taking place.

She said: “I can’t wait. I am excited. The people at Aspire have some good ideas and it looks absolutely amazing.

“It will be a nice spot to go and hang out, chill out and talk to her, for the kids and the people of Didcot.”

Features will include a mesh board for people to place a locked padlock and make a wish, then come back and break the key off in it when their wish comes true.

Jayden’s body was found in the grave of Ben Blakeley’s uncle Alan Kennedy in the graveyard at All Saints’ Church on December 18.

Blakeley was found guilty of murder at Oxford Crown Court in July and sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum of 20 years.

His brother Jake Blakeley admitted perverting the course of justice but was cleared of preventing a lawful burial.

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