Green-fingered people of East Dulwich help spruce up planters

Can they dig it? Yes they can.

Green-fingered residents in East Dulwich joined Councillor Charlie Smith recently to plant daffodils and tulips in East Dulwich’s planters, so that come spring, they will look all the more bloomin’ marvellous.

In total, 200 bulbs were added to the boxes, which have been introduced to partially closed-off side streets as part of London-wide Streetspace trials to create more space for people walking and cycling.

The gardening session followed a highly successful Halloween Hunt at the weekend, with local children and parents marvelling at spellbinding decorations that residents had put up – and one road, Melbourne Grove, changing its name to Hellbourne Grave.

Emily Farrington, who took part, said: “The side streets close to East Dulwich station are so much safer now.

“The daffodils and tulips we’ve planted will add to the cheery atmosphere and hopefully put a spring in everyone’s step come spring, when they flower.”

Cllr Smith said: “As a local Southwark councillor, I am pleased to see the positive difference the Low Traffic Neighbourhoods experiment is having for the community.

“I thought the planters needed brightening up and invited local residents to a bulb planting morning.

“I was so pleased to see families coming together as a community to give up part of their Sunday morning to plant the bulbs.

“They will look great come the spring when I imagine we will all need a bit of cheering up.”