Croydon Saffron Central, the innovative urban crocus farm on the site of the old council HQ, is inviting the community to help create a giant floral rainbow flag.
Donations of garden plants and artworks are needed in the colours of the rainbow as seen in the Pride flag – red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.
The Pride project will be one of the last temporary uses of the site before it makes way for the construction of flats and shops to replace the old Taberner House.
The theme is ‘hearts and rainbows’.
Inspired by the 50th anniversary of The Summer of Love and Croydon Pridefest, which takes place in The Queens Gardens on 15 July, the farm’s 17,000 crocus plants have made way for what promises to be a stunning display of colour and creativity in the heart of Croydon Town.
Ally McKinlay, Croydon Saffron Central’s founder, said, “With the summer here, it’s a great time to be outdoors and what better way to show some love and pride for Croydon than to share plants, arts and good conversation in this very special yet unusual community garden which was built in September 2015 to celebrate the Heritage of Croydon’s name .
“If you would like to add some blooms or create something to place in among the flowers please use one colour as seen in the Pride Flag: red, orange, yellow, green, blue or purple.
“Please also ensure that creations are weather-proof (sun, wind and rain being the most likely to consider).
“If you’re struggling for ideas maybe consider upcycling, recycling, painting something that shows some love & pride and we can put it in place.”
With 90 square metres to fill with plants and crafts, the garden will be judged for the RHS – London In Bloom “It’s Your Neighbourhood” Awards on 30 June before its unveiling at Croydon Pridefest 2017. Last year Croydon Saffron Central was awarded a Level 4 rating of ‘thriving’ by the judges with 79 per cent. An extra 7 per cent this year would see it deemed to be ‘outstanding’.
Some preparation has recently taken place with plants already added to the lanes in the following proportions. This gives some idea of the main colours still needed.
McKinlay added, “As well as hoping the community will support this project by donating plants and art installations we’d be also very grateful for people helping to repot, water, and feed plants, and assisting in getting the site looking as great as possible. Any spare plant pots that are 4 inch (10cm) diameter or wider would be useful for repotting.”
Dates for donations
- Sunday 11 June – Noon-5pm
- Sunday 18 June – Noon-5pm
- Sunday 25 June – Noon-5pm
More dates to be announced soon
Keeping safe
Croydon Saffron Central is on a demolished building site. If you keep to the paths & wood chip everything should be fine but organisers ask that children are supervised at all times and can’t allow any running or climbing in the site. There’s lots of space in The Queens Gardens for that. Everyone is most welcome to visit but nobody wants any injuries.
Where is Croydon Saffron Central?
The project situated within the former Taberner House site, the best way to gain access is to stand at the old fountain in the middle of The Queens Gardens, (off Fell Road, CR0 1EA) and look towards the blue glass building. There is a small door and there should be a flag flying whenever it’s open.
Contact
Please email www.croydonsaffroncentral.org
Twitter – @CroydonSaffron Facebook – Croydon Saffron Central
