Cheshire West and Chester Council’s StreetCare team has created an eye-catching set of displays for floral beds across the borough this year.
The council has introduced ‘carpet bedding’ to a number of areas, with designs commemorating the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War 1.
Carpet bedding has never been used by Cheshire West and Chester Council before – despite it being a popular style of gardening since Victorian times.
The technique involves small plants being planted closely together, so that initial gaps are quickly covered as the display grows.
The overall finished effect is of a tightly-woven carpet, hence the name.
The council’s cabinet member for environment, Cllr Karen Shore commented: “I’m delighted we have been able to bring back this eye-catching and beautiful style of display.
“Our teams worked with the World War 1 Society and a local plant nursery to come up with the poppy design.
“Many of the locations used were planted by our apprentices – adding another horticultural skill for their portfolios.
“The succulents used in the designs also don’t need as much water as some flowering plants which helps to lessen our water usage during the current warm weather.”
You can read more about the council’s approach to responsible water usage, here.
The plants used in the display include: Echeveria Flatter, Korma, Helichrysun, Alternantheera H and E, and Ajuga (Chocolate Chip).
The colourful carpet beds displays can be seen in: Ellesmere Port, Neston, Frodsham, Winsford and Chester’s Grosvenor Park.
