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A New Brighton volunteer group that secured £11,000 to transform neglected street planters in the area and create green spaces across the Victorian Quarter is hard at work on its plan.
According to the Wirral Globe, the group meets every second Sunday to carry out planting, maintenance and soil improvement work. They have been reviving brick planters that had become overgrown and underused. They formed in 2023.
The Floral Civilians Project, which is a year-long programme of activities and free workshops, is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund grant. The funding in this case is being used to improve soil quality in the area and deliver free creative sessions including creative writing, photography and printmaking.
But one key scheme funded in the area is the tapestry lawn, located outside the Floral Pavilion. Andrea Ku is the mind behind it, and it was developed through community workshops. Other workshops are scheduled for autumn to be funded by Wirral CVS.
And that's not where it ends. Friends of Victoria Quarter secured further funding from the National Garden Scheme to plant spring and summer bulbs later this year, to increase colours in the area and invite pollinators.
Chair Tim Brunsden said in a statement: "It's been a fantastic way to get to know people in our area and learn about different plants. We've focused on sustainability by choosing plants that provide colour year after year, while also making sure the gardening stays manageable and enjoyable for the group."
He added: "It's also been wonderful to connect with other local organisations doing great work, including New Brighton in Bloom and New Brighton Creative Futures. Thanks to funding from Wirral CVS, we're now looking at ways to improve the soil quality in our planters, which can become very dry during the summer months."
Volunteer Denise Courcoux said the project had helped residents "make friends with neighbours and make a positive contribution" locally.
Again, the group is continuing their efforts. They want to create a dog-friendly planting area by the Guide Dog Statue, also close to the Floral Pavilion. They want to feature plants such as thyme, rosemary and chamomile, plants that are generally safe for dogs.
The group also works with other volunteer groups such as Bloom and New Brightoners, which focus on planting schemes and litter picking in the area.
