Colourful hanging baskets are brightening up the borough thanks to talented adults from Newlands Bishop Farm.
Green-fingered service users have grown the plants from fragile seedlings in the farm’s polytunnel in Catherine-de-Barnes.
The baskets include plants such as trailing begonia, verbena, and lysimachia nummularia, and can be seen decorating Solihull and Chelmsley Wood town centres and other areas such as Knowle, Dorridge and Balsall Common.
The project is a partnership between Solihull Council; the Council’s environmental contractor Veolia; and Newlands Bishop Farm, which is part of the Family Care Trust and supports people with learning disabilities and mental health conditions to develop work-based skills.
Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, Cllr Ken Hawkins, said:
“All at Newlands Bishop Farm have done a wonderful job in growing these beautiful flowers from seedlings over the past few months and I would like to thank them for their great work.
“As well as developing their horticulture skills, they’ve shown a real passion for their community, and I know their hard work will bring a lot of joy and cheer across the borough.”
Sue Cummine, Senior Contract Manager at Veolia Solihull, said:
“We are delighted to support this initiative which brings a real difference to summer in Solihull.
“The young people at Newlands Bishop Farm did a fantastic job in taking ownership of this project while developing valuable skills along the way. We're committed to supporting local communities and creating green spaces that everyone can enjoy.”
Newlands Bishop Farm manager Kate Hughes said:
“It has been a privilege to see the dedication, enthusiasm and hard work our learners have put into this project. From nurturing tiny seedlings through to creating these beautiful hanging baskets, they have developed valuable horticultural and workplace skills while making a positive contribution to the local community.
“We are incredibly proud that their efforts will be on display across Solihull, bringing colour and enjoyment to residents and visitors throughout the summer. Projects like this demonstrate the abilities, commitment and potential of the people we support, and we are grateful to Solihull Council and Veolia for continuing to provide these opportunities.”