A team of volunteers led by community horticulturalist Mike Fitt OBE has turned a forgotten corner of a square adjacent to Ryde Co-op into colourful flower displays.
The transformation of unused, weed infested and rubbish ridden brick planters into resplendent flowerbeds outside the supermarket in Angelsea Street has delighted walkers, shoppers and staff.
Manpower and plants
Staff from landscape maintenance contractors John O’Conner, who work for Isle of Wight council, devoted almost a day and a half to the project. The firm also provided 500 bedding plants.
Other volunteers included representatives of the Co-op, Aspire, Network Ryde and the Ryde Society.
Fitt: The aim is for permanent sustainable planting
Mr Fitt OBE (pictured below), an ambassador for South and South East in Bloom and a member of the Ryde Society, said the planting project had taken a long time to organise but it was good to see it finally being realised.
He said,
“The flower beds had been empty and forgotten for some years.
“Now they are looking good. But this is just a temporary arrangement for the summer. It should be done every year. Ultimately, the aim is for permanent sustainable planting.”
Words and photos shared by Peter Gruner. Ed
