SCHOOLS, pre-schools and care homes are supporting a novel floral initiative for the run-up to the RHS Show at Tatton Park.

Knutsford Town Council is planning to create a ‘meadow’ of wooden flowers and ‘plant’ them in Wallwood a week before the show to be on display throughout the event.

The flowers would be assembled by the Town Ranger and delivered to schools, nurseries and care homes taking part.

They would be decorated by these groups in any way they wish and ‘planted’ in Wallwood, a small woodland near the entrance to Tatton Park, owned and managed by the town council.

It is envisaged that 20 flowers will be assembled, and the initiative will cost £270, for which sponsorship is to be sought.

“The annual RHS Show will soon be upon us, and as a town we need to be constantly looking at ways of promoting Knutsford and engaging the community during this event,” said town centre manager Sandra Curties.

The flowers would be made from a central wooden disc, strong willow petals and fixed to a wooden stem. The disc would be the focus of decorating by the groups taking part.

Each flower would have a plaque detailing whose flower it was, and it is envisaged that the Mayor would open the ‘meadow’.

“It would be a lovely community event, bringing generations of Knutsfordians together,” said Sandra.

“There is an inherent risk of vandalism, but this should not prevent such community activities.

“At the flower show’s close the flowers would be delivered back to the organisation. Initial research among schools, pre-schools and care homes has been extremely positive and welcoming.”

The cost of the scheme covers the MDF flower centres, stems and willow for the petals. The council is to seek sponsorship as its Events Committee does not have any surplus budget for initiatives.