A vibrant new flower garden is now in full bloom at The Ringway Centre, creating a beautiful and vital haven for bees and a tranquil space for all visitors to enjoy. This wonderful initiative, brought to life by a dedicated group of local volunteers, showcases a stunning array of plants specifically chosen to support our precious pollinators.
The idea for the garden sprang from a desire to enhance the community centre’s green space while actively contributing to local biodiversity. Volunteers, armed with enthusiasm and gardening gloves, have worked tirelessly to transform the area into a flourishing paradise. Their commitment to nurturing the garden ensures it will remain a cherished feature for years to come.
At the heart of the garden’s design is a carefully curated selection of plants known for their bee-attracting qualities. Visitors can now admire the delicate blossoms of Prunus, which offer an early source of nectar and pollen. The much-loved Pussy Willow provides another crucial early food source, particularly for queen bumblebees emerging from hibernation.
Adding to the diverse planting scheme are colourful Hebe shrubs, whose flowers are a magnet for various bee species throughout the summer months. The striking architectural forms of Euphorbia contribute unique textures and their nectar-rich flowers are a surprising favourite for many types of bees. Complementing this pollinator paradise is aromatic Sage, with its vibrant purple and blue flowers that are irresistible to a wide range of bees, including honeybees and bumblebees.
The new flower garden is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together. It stands as a blooming example of how local action can make a real difference to our environment. “We wanted to create something that was not only visually appealing but also served an important ecological purpose,” explained Paul, local bee expert. “Bees are vital to our ecosystem, and providing them with a rich source of food is something we can all contribute to. It’s been wonderful to see the community come together to make this happen, and the garden is already thriving.”
The new flower garden is more than just a pretty addition to the community centre grounds. It’s a living classroom, offering an opportunity for visitors of all ages to learn about the importance of pollinators and the simple steps that can be taken to support them. It also provides a peaceful and sensory-rich environment, inviting quiet contemplation and enjoyment of nature.
List of plants:
Brachyglottis
Rosemary
Perovskia
Physocarpus
salix caprea gold catkins
Nepeta
Northern lights
Origanum rosenkuppel
Euphorbia characias wulfenii
Prunus incisa kojo-no-mai
Rhododendron shamrock
Anthemis punctata cupaniana
Helianthemum
Stachys
