In line with the Council’s ‘Biodiversity Action Plan’ the team will be trialling a new scheme which involves planting bulbs to replace spring bedding flowers such as pansies and polyanthus, to create a cycle of crocus, daffodils, tulips and hyacinths in the early months of the year.

Once these have flowered the bulbs will be removed and recycled or given away in order for a variety of summer bedding plants to return from May onwards.

Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services, Councillor Will Roberts explains:

“Due to changing weather and disease our spring bedding plants have not performed as well as we would have liked in recent years and there is also a lot of wastage. We have therefore opted just to plant bulbs this year which are great for pollinating insects particularly during the early spring.

“This new approach will mean that the flower beds will look rather bare over the winter period, but we can all look forward to enjoying a natural succession of dazzling displays next year.”