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Exotic planting in Totton |
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Alan Weeks - a keen gardener |
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A selection of plants that could be seen on roundabouts |
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Totton is set to adopt a more exotic look in future years. The Town Council is set to confirm a decision of the Amenities Committee which this week approved plans to replace the more traditional planting of bedding plants in public areas with new species of plants that require far less water.
Alan Weeks (photography: David Harrison)
The move has been prompted by fears of a hose-pipe ban, following a very dry winter period. Council Officers reported that there would be difficulties keeping plants alive, in the event of a hose-pipe ban, especially in areas like roundabouts. The main roundabout in the town centre already boasts some exotic palm trees and bushes. Similar, exotic species, that can tolerate long dry spells, are now likely to be introduced in other parts of the Town.
Chairman of the Council, Alan Weeks, says "I am personally very enthusiastic about palm trees and exotic species. I already have quite a collection in my own garden. It may well be due to global warming that plants, like palms, can now be grown so successfully in his part of the country. They need less water than traditional British planting. The decision seems a sensible response to the problem of water shortages".
Fellow Councillor, David Harrison, Vice Chairman of the Authority, was a little less enthusiastic, saying "I have heard rumour that the flower of England is to be replaced by a cactus". |
