Making our beautiful city bloom this summer

Danny McCartney, Grounds Maintenance and Cemeteries manager has outlined some of the details of their extensive itinerary to make the city a more colourful and vibrant place to be and enjoy this summer.

“Significant investment of nearly £35,000 has been made to help bring a little colour to our city this summer. When works have been completed we estimate that almost 79,500 plants will have been planted. These have included the Summer bedding displays and the range of hanging baskets and planters now on view throughout the city.”

Some of the city’s roundabouts in particular Harbour Square have been given an overhaul and positive developments are also set to take place over the coming weeks to encourage members of the public to take an interest in gardening as Danny describes,

“Many people have commented to us over the past number of years about how the colourful planting adds vibrancy and a welcoming feel to the City for both visitors and locals alike. This year we have extended our planters along the Glendermott Road one of the main arteries into the City and planted out the new Park beside the Guidhall a little oasis in the City centre.”

“The launch of our Pride in our City campaign next week will showcase the great work of twelve local primary schools, who, over the last few weeks, have planted up twelve planters which will be on display throughout the summer in the Craft Village and other locations in the city.”

However Danny explained that this is one of a number of initiatives currently taken place across the city as part of the Pride in our City initiative and highlighted that they are currently looking for schools, community groups and private to participate in a competition to find the best Wild Garden.

The competition, which is being run as part of the ‘Do One Thing’ for nature campaign is ideal for garden enthusiasts of all ages and aims to showcase some of the city’s most creative and bright gardens which promote recycling initiatives and the attraction of wildlife. Closing date is the 17th June.

“The gardens will be judged on the range of garden features that support wildlife and the variety of native trees, plants and flowers which provide a sustainable food source and refuge for wildlife.

“We will also be keen to see the creative use of natural resources for example making compost, creative recycling and the collection and use of rain water.”

Throughout the summer season, Derry City Council will participate in a range of regional and national competitions, already securing a Gold Award in Garden Show Ireland in collaboration with the local Conservation Volunteers

“We have had great success over the past number of years in having our efforts recognised by regional and national competitions such as, Pride of Place, Ulster in Bloom, Best Kept Awards ,Britain in Bloom and Garden Show Ireland.

“We hope that this year’s Pride in our City campaign will continue this trend and we are encouraging community groups who wish to take part in this year’s initiative by enhancing their local areas to contact us.”