Now they are planning a dramatic scheme for the four-year period of centenary war commemorations, following wide praise from the public and neighbouring councils.
In the Abbey Ward area of the city, where this year’s Euroflor poppy mixes are in full bloom, Paul Sutlow, senior grounds maintenance supervisor for Amey, and his team - working in partnership with Gloucester City Council and Gloucester City Homes - have designed a fabulous garden for the public to enjoy.
The design is in keeping with the WWI theme and will be completed in three phases. During phase one, initially designed by Anthony Pyle, a grounds maintenance supervisor, there will be a number of pathways built to epitomise the trenches.
Long grass sections will signify ‘No Man’s Land’ along with a flowing brook which will symbolise the opposing trench and passage of time.
Phase two will represent the ‘Dig for Victory’ concept where native fruiting trees will be planted to form a community orchard. The plan for phase three is to plant rows of mixed native broadleaf trees alongside the fruit trees to create a woodland haven for the enjoyment of the public.
Paul Sutlow has been in Gloucester since 1976 and believes that Euroflor mixes from Rigby Taylor are saving money and have an increased impact for the public.
“We’ve had unprecedented numbers of comments about our various urban meadow plantings,” he says. “And other local authorities have taken an interest in the impact they have had.
“Urban flower mixes are low maintenance and have multiple wildlife benefits.”
Gloucester City Council and Amey initially started with sowing roundabouts in 2011. This evolved into a programme of meadows located beside the City’s primary roads, on verges and at junctions, providing maximum impact.
Andria Backhaus, Rigby Taylor local authority area sales manager, says: “We are delighted at the success Paul and his team have had. Euroflor poppy mixes have met with great success since their launch for the World War One centenary.”
DETAILS: For a Euroflor catalogue call Freefone 0800 424919.
Source: Oakfield Media
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