On June 11, 2013, a small group of volunteers spent a few hours transforming two neglected raised beds – filling them with flowers, plants and edible goodness to entice the butterflies and bees, and delight the people of Sudbury!

Only five weeks later the local bees and butterflies were buzzing happily…

…and the flower beds were thriving.

In February 2014, having enjoyed the project so much, we resolved to spend less time talking and more time ‘doing’. In April 2014, as well as a tidy-up session at the Kingfisher Leisure Centre beds, we began clearing the tubs and beds behind Roy’s Department Store.

The end of May saw the Kingfisher wildflower bed looking spectacular – a real contrast to its former scrub, and dry earth – and drawing lots of compliments from passersby.

Since then, we have painted the tubs and benches behind Roy’s Department Store, pruned some of the shrubs behind the benches, planted a lilac, lily-of-the-valley, and other shrubs, and filled the tubs with bulbs and perennials.

After being included in the tour for the Sudbury in Bloom judges in June 2014, we have continued to maintain the beds, and have begun to make plans for 2015. Join us, if you’d like to come and help make Sudbury greener!