Flower Displays throughout Inverclyde by Ian Welsh

Ian Welsh who is the Horticultural Officer for Inverclyde Council gave an informative and interesting talk in relation to his work maintaining the flower beds throughout the district.

Ian with his three staff use traditional methods to grow an impressive number of plants, including 20,000 daffodils, 10,000 tulips, 10,000 hyacinths and some 300,000 bedding plants every year.  The bulbs are forced to ensure early spectacular displays as seen in the slide show Ian brought along. 

For amateur gardeners like myself it is difficult to comprehend the work involved in preparing seed trays then pricking out 300,000 seedlings and potting them on, all by hand.  The geraniums, antirrhinum, busy Lizzies, lobelia and marigolds to name but a few of the species are then planted out in the flower beds throughout the district making fabulous displays.  Particularly impressive carpet displays at three locations throughout Inverclyde are prepared at the requests of local organisations to celebrate special events.