The idea
Croydons name derives from the Anglo Saxon 'Croh Denu' meaning "Crocus Valley". It is widely believed that Saffron was farmed here by the Romans.
Croydon Saffron Central is a pop up Saffron Farm that will spread its corms throughout every ward of the borough after its first harvest.
Friends of Parks & Community Groups will be invited to take the Crocus Sativus to their respective wards where they can cultivate & distribute in their local communities.
Every Croydonnian should take pride when they see a Crocus in bloom, but especially when it's a Crocus Sativus (The Saffron One!).
This project is an community educational tool as the Saffron Crocus blooms in the Autumn & not the Spring.
Now is the time to plant the corms and reap their golden stigmas!!
What we'll deliver
- Distribute plants amongst 24 Wards of Croydon
- Grow thousands of Crocus Sativus
- Harvest Saffron & reinvest sales
Why it's a great idea
Few people are aware of The origins of Croydons name nor its significance as a settlement to the south of London.
The Crocus Valley brings not only beauty but a chance to boost health & prosperity in every home.
More valuable than gold & with more positive health benefits than there's room to mention.
It is quite staggering that nobody has thought to farm this jewel on mass & share it with the good people of Croydon Town.
Inspired through research & a regular feature called 'Crocus Watch' on Made In Croydon at Croydon Radio. It's simply too greater opportunity to turn down when land in central Croydon - at Croydon Councils former main office - is made available for a temporary Saffron Farm!!
Steps to get it done
- Ask the people & businesses to Donate Pots
- Invite Friends of Parks & Green Spaces to take the plants into the 24 Wards of Croydon & create Local Saffron Farms.
- Purchase 10 tonnes of Earth
- Purchase 20,000 Corms
- Invite the Croydon Community to help plant corms & harvest the Saffron.
We will need volunteers to help prepare the site, plant the corms, harvest the saffron & distribute the plants.
Every ward in Croydon is welcome in equal measure!!
