Students repurpose old materials to create a blooming gorgeous flowerbed
For the second year running, Malvern Park in Solihull town centre has welcomed another stunning flowerbed designed by the talented students from Newlands Bishop Farm.
This year’s theme – chosen by the council’s environmental contractor, Veolia – was re-use and upcycle. The team repurposed old materials, including tyres and a wheelbarrow, to creatively display plants to create striking focal points within the flowerbed. The display includes bee friendly plants as well as sensory aspects, creating a colourful vision for all park users to enjoy.
The team has also sourced, grown and planted up a number of eye-catching hanging baskets. These can be found on display across the borough, including in Chelmsley Wood, Solihull Town Centre and Dove House Parade.
Part of the Family Care Trust, Newlands Bishop Farm offers work-based learning and training opportunities for adults with learning disabilities, mental health conditions, and autism. They combine hands-on work experience with tailored educational support to create a space where people can thrive, learn, grow, and feel valued.
The students were also supported by colleagues from Solihull Council and Veolia.
Visitors are welcome to visit the flower project this summer, which is located to the right entrance of Malvern Park in Solihull town centre.
Councillor Ken Hawkins, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Infrastructure, said:
“It was wonderful to welcome students from Newlands Bishop Farm back to Malvern Park earlier this month to deliver another eye-catching flower display. Not only have they put to good use their creativity and excellent gardening skills, but they have also salvaged old materials that would otherwise have gone to waste to create a beautiful display for visitors to our park.”
Katie Hughes, Farm manager at Newlands Bishop Farm, said:
“We’re thrilled to be working with Solihull Council again. Projects like these not only brighten the borough, but they also give our project workers a real sense of pride and purpose. It’s amazing to see their skills and confidence grow through their involvement.”
Love Solihull, the council’s environmental campaign, is looking for sponsors for green initiatives, including the carpet bed next year. To find out more, please contact Lovesolihull@solihull.gov.uk