LIMERICK’S city centre floral displays are the envy of the country, providing a lift for citizens and tourists alike in unseasonable weather conditions. Not surprisingly, the Parks Department of Limerick City Council has been inundated with calls and emails praising its floral displays. The new ‘Bridges in Bloom’ basket and flower tiers have been singled out for the splash of colour they are delivering.
The 19 staff in the Parks Department started planting programme seeds and seedlings in April and the actual planting of thousands of bedding plants began in May.
David Murphy, Superintendent Parks Department, said they were delighted with the colour combinations achieved.
“We tried to get the displays out earlier this year and were worried about our flowers baskets on the bridges when they were buffeted by wind and rain in early June but they survived and have now thrived.
“We have also provided a display in front of King John’s Castle and on the roundabouts as a focal point for visitors and tourists in the city”.
The Parks Department has developed an environmentally friendly collection system in its nursery which harvests up to 10,000 litres of rainwater.
This is then used in the tractors that can be seen watering the flower displays. At the moment the flower baskets are being fed nutrients to extend the life of the flowers – and the length of time of the display.
The work of the staff in maintaining and weeding the flower displays is very visible – but they are also undertaking an extensive grass cutting programme.
This includes cutting over 330 acres of greens in estates at this time of year as well as starting wallflowers for the winter programme of bedding and pruning.
The public is encouraged to visit parks such as the People’s Park and O’Brien’s Park to see the rose beds and other varieties on display.
