Thousands of bedding plants have been planted in the city’s public parks, street containers, hanging baskets and on roundabouts with displays of flowers, including Begonia (Semperflorens), Heliotrope and Dahlias, adding a splash of colour and lifting people’s spirits despite the gloomy weather.
- Thousands of flowers help lift summer spirits
Thousands of bedding plants have been planted in the city’s public parks, street containers, hanging baskets and on roundabouts with displays of flowers, including Begonia (Semperflorens), Heliotrope and Dahlias, adding a splash of colour and lifting people’s spirits despite the gloomy weather.
Open spaces, landmark buildings, streets, bridges and parks across Limerick city centre have been transformed into a sea of colour thanks to the Parks Department of Limerick City and County Council.
A wide variety of flowers, known for their vibrant colours, have been chosen this year. They include Surfinia, Begonia Lobelia, Bacopa, Geraniums, Bidens and Fuchsia.
Flowers are blooming in 240 hanging baskets, 34 tiers along the streets, in containers and flower beds on some of the major roundabouts approaching Limerick city, boxes on city streets as well landmark locations such as the O'Connell Monument, Pery Square, the People’s Park, and O’Brien’s Park Clare Street.
Michael Sheehan, Parks Department Superintendent with Limerick City and County Council said: “The majority of the flowers on display have been grown from seed at the council’s own nursery. The staff has worked hard to provide great floral displays in the city.”
Tara Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer with the local authority paid tribute to Parks Department staff who she said have “worked hard to bring a huge splash of colour into the heart of the city. Today, our parks and streets look very well thanks to their work and of course, the colourful floral arrangements on display.
Ms. Flanagan noted that the work of the Parks Department is not just confined to flora display. “They also undertake an extensive grass cutting programme over 330 acres of greens in parks, open space and estates as well as tree planting and pruning. Annual environmental improvement grants are also offered to support residents to undertake improvement works in their own estates such as flower planting and grass cutting.
While, the Parks staff are there to offer support and advice to community groups in conjunction with the Community Co-ordinators in the planting of flower containers and these displays enhance the communities involved,” she added.
