CROWCOMBE HEATHFIELD STATION FLOWERS

The West Somerset Railway holds an annual Best Kept Station competition which has been judged by one internal judge and one outside judge. Crowcombe Heathfield station has been very successful in this competition in previous years, so much so that after winning the Competition in 2000 for the three previous years running, it was not allowed to compete in 2001! Here are a few pictures to give you an idea of the care taken:-

The use of old chimney pots as tubs by a seat on the up platform

A similar use in a different year showing the use of Lobelia as well as tubs alongside the station name board. Also the borders flowering well.

Further view of tubs by the station name board. 7820 Dinmore Manor is about to depart the down platform

Hanging baskets adorn the canopy of the down platform waiting room as well as concrete posts, (from the original running-in boards), near the signal box. Visiting loco 92212 waits in the up loop when returning to Bishops Lydeard.

M. Hodge

Not only summer but spring time too. Daffodils abound in the flower beds on the up platform.

When the daffodils flower, can spring be far away?!

John Ayres

John Ayres

As 2002 was Golden Jubilee year, a special "Loyal Display" bed was built and planted in time for the "Golden Jubilee" Special charter. (Note the pictue of H.M. the Queen, which had to be replaced several times due to fading in the bright sunlight!).

John Ayres

John Ayres

Some of the hanging baskets that adorn the lamp standards and station buildings throughout the summer.

I did think, maybe a 'Convocation of Gardeners'' or 'Gardeners Question Time'; actually, Joint Stationmaster and Chief Gardener Mike Hodge discussing flower-bed tidying with Assistant Gardeners Gill Southwood and Marjorie Lees.

The flowers also attract a miscellany of butterflies; here, a Speckled Wood is examining pink Impatiens (Busy Lizzies).

Also attracted are lesser spotted painters! Less often seen than photographers, painters are occasionally seen and their talent admired!

In recent years, the station has been sucessful in being awarded the Best Floral Display in the inter-stations competition, and holds the Cup for this at present.

Its 7/11/2005 and still the flowers are blooming. Red Salvias with Busy Lizzies in the background

Again on 7/11/2005, Busy Lizzies in late flower in tubs on the up platform. In the distance can be seen smoke from this mornings bonfire showing where we had been cutting back.