Worthing flowerbeds to benefit from sustainable planting scheme

As part of a new sustainable approach, Worthing Borough Council is moving away from using solely traditional seasonal bedding towards a more balanced mix of permanent planting, which will be supported by seasonal bedding.

The new approach, which has been co-designed with craft gardeners at Highdown Gardens, will provide a longer-lasting, colourful display and support pollinating insects throughout the year.

The change has been introduced as part of the council’s ambition to be more sustainable.

It will not only allow the local authority to avoid wastefully replacing tired plants each season, but also save on watering due to the new, hardy species on show.

In the town centre, flowerbeds will include nandina domestica and heuchera, whilst on the seafront they will feature seaside daisy, sea thrift, red valerian and sea holly.

The flowerbeds in Broadwater and outside Worthing Town Hall have been the first to receive the new method of planting, and others across the town and along the coastline will follow in the coming weeks.

The council’s parks team are keen to encourage and support those in the community who have been sponsoring and maintaining flowerbeds across the town to continue the more sustainable approach.

Councillor Vicki Wells, Worthing’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “The design of Worthing’s traditional floral displays must adapt to the changing climate. The water-dependent plant varieties of the past required lots of attention and resources only to be composted at the end of each season.

“The recent State of Nature report shockingly highlights the UK as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. We must do everything we can to support pollinators and enhance biodiversity.

“Rethinking the types of plants used means we will better support nature and use less valuable water. We can deliver beautiful flower beds while being more environmentally-friendly and sustainable - I can’t wait to see the results.”

The sustainable planting scheme forms part of the council’s work to make a cleaner, greener and safer Worthing for its communities. To find out more about the campaign, follow the Worthing Borough Council Facebook page.