The idea
Ellesmere Port has 29 large planters around the area, all have the names of the wards they are sited in. Due to Covid and budget restrictions they have not been replanted, they are markers for each area and do not give a good impression looking unkept and messy. We would like funding to replant them to bring colour to the wards, this will add to our 2022 RHS in Bloom Proposal. Initially we will be using a local firm to provide and plant them, including Perennials to give year round colour and interest. We hope that after the first year we will have a team of volunteers who will do the planting and maintenance of the planters. We also require funding for our newly established 'Tool Library' giving volunteers and groups access to the tools they need not only for the planters but their own green spaces. Again our volunteers will be assisting the groups to establish their new spaces, become a part of Ellesmere Port in Bloom and make our place a colourful, bright and vibrant place to live
What we'll deliver
- 27 newly planted planters, planted with seasonal plants and perennials
- Additional tools for the Volunteers and groups to use to keep the Borough blooming
- Network of Volunteers in the wards to look after and maintain the planters
- Establish a Volunteer 'help squad' to assist projects around Ellesmere Port to bring back abandoned spaces
Why it's a great idea
By replanting and continuing to look after the planters it will bring colour back to the wards. The planters currently are overgrown with weeds, used as rubbish bins and give a poor view of the area. By planting and continuing to look after them it will brighten up the area for residents, it will encourage volunteering in those areas to look after them. The planters will bring people together after 18 months of isolation, will give people a pride in their area and hopefully encourage residents to get involved not only in their ward but the wider area.
The Tool Library will allow the volunteers and local groups to be able to access the tools they need, not only for the planters but other projects. Many of the groups dont have the tools they need to do more projects in their local area, the Library will allow them to borrow the tools at no cost. EPiB are aiming to bring back into use areas that have been abandoned to make the Port a bright and colourful place to live and work for all.
Steps to get it done
- Clearing the planters
- Replenishing the soil
- Planting the planters, using Perennials and seasonal colour
- At least one volunteer recruited for maintenance of each planter
- Tool Library set up and lending tools to Groups and Volunteers
- 20 volunteers recruited to plant and maintain the planters and assist with other projects
- 6 new groups/projects helped
- 6 new areas brought back into use
- 6 new groups come under the Ellesmere Port in Bloom umbrella
- Apply for the 2022 RHS in Bloom competition
- Be awarded Sliver Gilt in 2022
- Add to planting with seasonal colour in spring/summer
