All eyes on weather as Halfway in Bloom set for May launch
The inaugural year of Halfway in Bloom has found strong grassroots support, and organisers are planting the seeds for more.
Douglas Baird, convenor of Halfway Community Council, says the plans to improve the appearance of the Main Street area, including Civic Square, has found fertile ground with the support of local businesses.
Douglas recently met up with Margaret Ferrier, his cohort on the Halfway in Bloom sub committee, to discuss plans for the May launch, weather permitting.
“We have had such a good response from local businesses,” Douglas said.“We contacted them all by letter with options on how to get on board, such as sponsoring a flower box or making a donation, and the response has been tremendous.”
So far 13 boxes have been purchased and donations continue to come in.
Businesses such as McColls, Joseph Nelson Funeral Directors, W & J Curley, Hepworth & Co Solicitors and Craigallian Avenue Medical Practice have joined the flower box sponsorship programme, and the Salvation Army Eva Burrows Centre has sponsored four boxes. Donations have also come from LEAP and the local dog grooming parlour, among others.
Douglas said he is awaiting for the boxes to arrive and that he is in talks with Halfway Allotment Society and the Salvation Army about planting and maintaining the flower boxes, plus the metal tubs in Civic Square which are being included in the project. Marion’s Flowers has been in touch about flowers for the boxes.
“South Lanarkshire Council Land Services have also been amazing, stepping up to de-weed beds to sow wild flowers, and to power wash Civic Square,”Douglas said.
He added that there is still time for other businesses in the area to help, and that he hopes local schools and churches might get involved for the official May launch.
“After this prolonged winter, we are at the mercy of the weather for the launch but we are please with the way things are going and would welcome further business and community support for this year’s launch, and hopefully next year’s project,”Douglas added.