The ‘Greening Bournemouth’ initiative became reality thanks to MP Jessica Toale’s Bournemouth Town Centre Citizens Panel, with local residents Debbie Sadd and Gail Thomas, Secretary of volunteering movement Soroptimist International Bournemouth, driving the project.

Thanks to the efforts of businesses, charities and volunteers – including team members from Cherry Tree Nursery – the planters are blooming once again, ready to greet this summer’s influx of tourists and holidaymakers, and restore a sence of pride to Bournemouth town centre.

Writing on social media, Labour MP for Bournemouth West, Jessica Toale, said: “This is what happens when you give residents real power.

“The eight planters outside Beales Place had been neglected for years. Now they’re full of colour, thanks to our Community Greening Day, a brilliant effort that grew straight out of our Bournemouth Town Centre Citizens’ Panel.”

“Businesses around Beales Place have even committed to keeping the planters watered and cared for going forward, so this isn’t a one-off, it’s the community taking ownership of its own town centre.

“And that’s the whole point. When you put residents in the room, give them a real say, and back their ideas with the means to deliver, this is what you get: real, visible change that people can see and be proud of.”

The drought-tolerant planting scheme features ornamental grasses such as stipa and festuca, low-maintenance hebes and assorted colours of heuchera, famed for their vividly coloured leaves.

Pollinator-friendly achillea and lavender also feature in the scheme, alongside catmint and sedum.

A statement by Debbie Sadd and Gail Thomas said: “It is great to see our first outcome of all the work undertaken by The Citizens Panel.

‘Greening Bournemouth’ has brought together a mix of stakeholders across the town who wish to see change and more importantly pride brought back to our beautiful town. Hopefully, this will be the first of many initiatives across the whole area.

“Thank you to Cherry Tree Nursery for supplying such lovely plants, and to all the volunteers who gave up their time, and local businesses who will help to keep the plants in good health,” they added.

“Plants and Minds supports people living with life-impacting mental health challenges by providing opportunities to develop confidence, skills and wellbeing through horticulture.

“This project not only helps to make Bournemouth a greener and more welcoming place, but also provides a fantastic platform to showcase the beautiful plants grown by our team members (service users) at Cherry Tree Nursery.

“Their hard work, dedication and achievements are reflected in every plant, and we’re proud to contribute to such a positive community initiative,” Maria added.

Bournemouth University funded the purchase of plants from Cherry Tree Nursery while BCP Council transported the plants, cleared out the old planters and provided fresh topsoil and compost.

Stephen Docherty of Garden Buddies, working with local resident Debbie Sadd, drew-up planting plans and St Peter’s Church provided water on the day.

Bournemouth BID (Business Improvement District) worked to remove graffiti and litter from the area, while Tesco provided peat-free compost and refreshments for the volunteers.

Soroptimist International put together kits for businesses that have signed up to adopt a planter (see below), each containing a watering can, gloves, trowel and welcome leaflet.

They include Lush, Holland and Barrett, Cremma to Robin, Calabrese Kitchen, Revival Wellness Cafe, Lan’s Bakery, Esquires Cafe and Skipton Building Society.