Blooming Westgate Updates
September 2026
This summer saw record-breaking periods of hot dry weather, which unfortunately significantly shortened the flowering season for many of the wildflowers and other species.
Over the last few weeks, however, Blooming Westgate volunteers have toiled valiantly to keep the soil moist in our planters and beds, and to maintain the plants as best we can.
We have also started removing annual wildflowers that have had their day, gradually replacing them with plants that will provide attractive flowers and foliage over autumn and winter.
The role of our allotments
The Westgate allotments have a special area for Blooming Westgate where a large number of perennials are growing. These will all be transferred to planters and beds this autumn and next spring where they will flower.
We owe a huge thank you to all those volunteers who have worked so hard to maintain and develop this important area.
We will also be successively sowing wildflower seeds in both autumn this year and spring next year to provide as much beauty and colour as possible.
A massive boost for the months to come!
As has been widely reported, Blooming Westgate has been granted £17,200 from the National Lottery Community Fund for specific projects. This will allow us to convert several green areas in Westgate to meadow, purchase additional town planters and stage a special event for residents of all ages to celebrate biodiversity in Westgate.
But it’s very important to point out that the grant was awarded based on expanding community involvement and increasing voluntary support, so we will be calling out for more helpers. Our job will be to ensure it’s fun and rewarding for all participants!
School art
The wonderful paintings, montages and poems created by our local schools and nursery have been on a touring display. During the summer months, they’ve been shown at our community centre, St Saviour’s Church, the council offices and Westgate Galleria, which hosted a special week-long exhibition.
Some of the paintings can still be seen at St Saviour’s Church and the council offices, and we are exploring areas for semi-permanent outdoor displays.
