New flower beds bring sense of calm outside Central Surgery
A vibrant transformation has taken place outside Central Surgery in Farnham with freshly planted flower beds now welcoming patients and passers-by.
Farnham Town Council worked with the surgery to breathe new life into the neglected flowerbeds which were heavily overgrown with alkanet, bindweed and thistle. The overhaul included the removal of 12 one-ton bags filled with roots, debris, and two large tree stumps. Before planting could begin, the depleted beds were replenished with ten tons of topsoil which was hand-dug to ensure long-term planting success.
Explaining the inspiration for the project, Dr Martin Ballard said: “Inside the surgery, we have a variety of easy-to-clean and low-maintenance houseplants, which have attracted many positive comments from patients. We wanted to ensure the outside space was just as welcoming.
“The approach was both cost-effective and embraced the widely recognised health benefits of incorporating plants into our environment. We’re delighted to be in the town centre and felt it important to contribute positively to the surrounding community and to ‘keep up appearances’, being directly opposite the Town Council!”
The planting scheme was designed by Dragonfly Garden Designs and as well as complementing the surgery’s new colour palette of silvers, purples, and shades of mustard and orange, the design was created to suit soil pH, wind direction and site aspect.
Selected plants include:
- Parrotia ‘Vanessa’ trees
- Miscanthus grasses
- Salvia ‘Little Spires’
- Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’
- Heuchera ‘Chocolate Ruffles’
- Verbena
- Interspersed spring-flowering bulbs and irises
Dr Martin Ballard adds: “It has been such a pleasure working with Farnham Town Council and Farnham in Bloom volunteers. The transformation – from an overgrown border to a calm, welcoming entrance – has truly enhanced the environment for both patients and staff. This project has shown how working together can bring about real improvements that benefit both the practice and the wider community.”
Councillor Mat Brown, Lead Member for Environment says: “We were delighted to help Central Surgery with this project and in just four days, the space was totally revitalised. The garden will be maintained by a Friends group from the surgery and is an excellent example of the partnerships that make Farnham in Bloom such a success. I’m really looking forward to seeing the flowers bloom – it will make for a stunning display as you come into Farnham.”
If you are a business in Farnham looking for a similar team volunteering opportunity, please contact Farnham Town Council by emailing [email protected].