IN total, 240 hanging baskets and troughs have been installed in Penzance town centre as part of this season’s floral display.

Organised by Penzance Community Flora Group, the summer hanging baskets and trough planters have been a real community effort and enhance the colour of the town alongside the flags and banners commissioned by Penzance Council. 

The plants have been supplied by local plant nursery Trevena Cross Nurseries, Crago Moves helped transporting the baskets, and High Maintenance South West ensured all the baskets were put up safely. 

Community Flora Group volunteer collecting hanging baskets from a polytunnel at Trevena Cross Nurseries 2 (Photo- Pz Community Flora Group)
Community Flora Group volunteer collecting hanging baskets from a polytunnel at Trevena Cross Nurseries (Picture: Penzance Community Flora Group)

The baskets and troughs have been made possible this year through fundraising by the flora group and generous funding provided by Penzance BID and Penzance Council. The council’s gardening team also provide additional support by watering the hanging baskets every weekday morning right throughout the summer to keep the flowers in top condition. 

“There have been some changes this year to how the planting is organised,” said Emily Kavanaugh, treasurer of Penzance Community Flora Group. “We used to grow all the plants ourselves, but due to a few factors, that's just not possible any longer. The hanging baskets were planted up and cared for by Damien and his wonderful team at Trevena Cross Nurseries. They literally could not have done any more for us and we're so grateful to be working with such a dedicated team. 

Community Flora Group volunteer collecting hanging baskets from a polytunnel at Trevena Cross Nurseries (Photo- Pz Community Flora Group)
Penzance Community Flora Group volunteer collecting hanging baskets from a polytunnel at Trevena Cross Nurseries (Picture: Penzance Community Flora Group)

“Outsourcing the planting has meant that this needed to be paid for. Put very simply, without the financial support from Penzance Council and Penzance BID, none of this would have been possible! The award-winning Penzance Council Gardening Team will continue to water and feed them through the season and again, we're very grateful for all they do. 

“As a group, we've been very touched by the amount of support that all of these organisations have given us, so we'd like to publicly thank them all.” 

“Penzance Community Flora are a shining example of how a dedicated band of volunteers can transform the look and feel of a place through their efforts” said Cllr Stephen Reynolds, mayor of Penzance. 

Hanging baskets in full bloom outside a shop at the top of Market Jew Street (Photo- Pz Community Flora Group)
Hanging baskets in full bloom outside a shop at the top of Market Jew Street (Penzance Community Flora Group)

“In their high-vis jackets, they’re a familiar sight to residents and visitors alike as they keep our street planting beds in tip-top condition all year round. The hanging baskets and troughs are the icing on the cake, helping keep our town full of vibrant colour all summer long – rain or shine!” 

Penzance Council provide grants to local community groups and charities who are working to benefit their residents and Parish environment.

To find out more about how to apply online, visit: www.penzance-tc.gov.uk/grants/ or contact the council offices by either phoning 01736 363405 or emailing [email protected]