The Rose Bowl fountain, surrounded by a vibrant array of flowers in Queens Gardens, has been the jewel in the crown of Hull city centre’s green spaces for many years.
The colourful and uplifting landmark is admired by residents, city centre workers and visitors.
It takes a dedicated team of gardeners to maintain the gardens to those high standards – and the coronavirus outbreak won’t stop efforts to keep it up to standard.
The design and choice of bedding plants is meticulously planned months ahead of planting, with some 25,000 plants used for the rose bowl and its surroundings.
Normally, these plants are put in as soon as the spring bulbs have finished flowering in May or early June. This year, that timescale is likely to alter due to coronavirus measures.
Flowers in the Rose Bowl in Hull city centre.
Even with the workforce observing social distancing while planting, and only one worker per flower bed, the Rose Bowl should be in full bloom over the summer months.
However, it is likely that the designs may have to be adapted to accommodate what plants can be supplied.
Adam McArthur, head of street cleansing, grounds and open spaces at Hull City Council, said: “The current situation is affecting everyone. Where possible the council is continuing to support its suppliers, including our local plant growers, at this difficult time.
“We also want to ensure that Queens Gardens is as impressive and colourful as usual and can be a beacon of hope and normality for the people of Hull.”
Councillor Anita Harrison, portfolio holder for Streetscene said: “A lot of people who live in the city centre are taking their daily exercise in Queen’s Gardens so it’s important that we keep the area as bright and cheerful as possible to raise people’s spirits and remind them that there are better times to come.”
