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RHS Awards: Stations Transform into Floral Havens
20 Sep
Summary
- RHS Railway Stations in Bloom award honors volunteer gardeners.
- Cardross Community Organic Garden in Scotland won the award.
- Stations now feature drought-resistant plants and attract wildlife.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has launched its new Railway Stations in Bloom award to recognize the dedication of volunteers who cultivate floral displays at stations across the UK.
Five stations were shortlisted for this inaugural award, which evaluates not only aesthetic beauty but also the promotion of wildlife and resilience to climate change. Cardross Community Organic Garden in Scotland was announced as the winner this week, praised for its community involvement.
Other notable entries include Alresford in Essex, which features a "dry garden" inspired by Beth Chatto, and Maghull in Merseyside, known for its woodland planting. Wylde Green in Birmingham created a "bee corridor" with pollinator-friendly plants, while Keynsham in Somerset showcases a variety of succulents adapted to hot summers.
These station gardens have revitalized communities, fostering social connections among volunteers and delighting commuters. Many have also become havens for wildlife, with reports of increased bee and butterfly populations, and even the return of hedgehogs.