The Garden used a satellite GPS controlled robotic line marker kindly lent by Leicester City Football club and working non-stop for over 24 hours the robot marked the paisley pattern, which extends to a massive 25m in each direction on Beaumont Lawn to the North East of the Garden. The pure white Crocus vernus ‘Jeanne D’Arc’ forms the outlines of the pattern, while other shapes, swirls and floral forms are filled with the deep purple Crocus vernus 'Flower Record', the rich yellow Crocus korolkowii and the purple and white striped Crocus vernus 'King of the Striped'.


Picture Courtesy of Nick Bailey


In order to speed the planting process volunteers and staff used battery drills with a wide drill bit to create the 80,000 planting holes required in the turf. Once the bulbs were installed, top dressing was then used to backfill the holes. Finally, as an extra precaution against hungry squirrels, the whole area was covered with horticultural fleece to allow the bulbs to get their roots down undisturbed.


Nick said: "A project like this is a brilliant way to bring the community and garden together. Our volunteers ranging from teenagers to retirees all grafted in cold and damp conditions, but now we're celebrating our efforts coming to fruition as the crocus have emerged, with a sense of communal warmth. This is just the beginning of a monumental reinvention of The University of Leicester Botanic Garden with numerous new gardens, displays, courses, exhibitions and even a café on the way!"


It's clear that these bulbous beauties are a catalyst for community, and whether you have 80,000 or 80, if you focus on crocus, your days will be bright!


Catch Camilla with Alan Titchmarsh on ITV’s ‘Love Your Weekend regularly throughout the year.


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ENTERTAINMENT THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE


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