“Kings Heath has become the edible gardening hub of Birmingham” according to broadcaster, author and local resident Alys Fowler . “From the Community Centre to the beautiful parks, in front and back gardens and in local schools everyone has been planting and the community is really coming together”.

Alys Fowler in her garden

Alys is supporting Kings Heath Floral Trail’s bid to win Gold in this year’s Heart of England in Bloom competition. The stunning 10,000 step circular trail links up the shopping centre with the surrounding Kings Heath and Highbury Parks and consists of:-

• an edible garden and graffiti art mural at Kings Heath Community Centre
• magnificent baskets on the railings by the Queensbridge traffic lights at the entry to the shopping centre
• hanging baskets throughout the shopping centre
• 60 plant tubs on the High Street and side streets.
• wall baskets adorning the library and other buildings
• an associated hidden treasure trail created by Year 5 pupils from Colmore School, two edible gardens, rose beds, bedding displays, hanging baskets and flower towers in Kings Heath Park and
• associated tree trails, hay meadow, children’s natural play area and proposed community orchard in Highbury Park.

Heart of England in Bloom is not only about floral displays and judges will also be taken on 5 July to the site of the new Village Square being created by All Saints Church and told about a pioneering business re-cycling scheme.

A new 16 page guide has been published to help visitors discover the wonders of Kings Heath while walking round the trail and can be picked up from the library, community centre and many local shops and cafes.

Judges from Heart of England in Bloom were so impressed last year that the trail was given a Silver Gilt Award and organisers are hoping for even better this year. And Kings Heath businesses have been so impressed that they have allocated extra money from the Business Improvement District levy for this year’s trail.

Pupils and staff from Fox Hollies School have continued to help Kings Heath Centre Partnership create this year’s trail and judges will be shown round the school garden designed by Winterbourne Botanic Gardens in consultation with school pupils that also showcases edible gardening and features a new clay pizza oven.

Paul Roberts, Fox Hollies School Head Teacher, says  “Our students have greatly welcomed the opportunity to be part of, and contribute to, their local community”.

Bob Prew from Kings Heath Partnership’s Clean & Green Committee adds “The Floral Trail has demonstrated that it is possible to really improve the appearance of Kings Heath. It has produced a real feel-good factor and is being made bigger and better each year ”.

For more information [email protected] and see the website here