A different approach to planting flowers in town centres has been launched.
Westmorland and Furness Council is moving away from planting summer annuals to help make its horticultural practices more environmentally sustainable.
Five beds within the areas of Great Dockray and Castle Park in Penrith were recently planted with sustainable perennials, replacing annuals that require renewal.
The authority said: “These changes will increase biodiversity by providing stable habitats for wildlife, while reducing the need for maintenance and the reliance on purchased annual plants used in more traditional seasonal displays.”
In another initiative, spring flowering bulbs which are usually be removed once flowering has ended are being left to re-flower the following year.
The council said initial results had been encouraging and could provide considerable savings, as well as a more environmentally friendly option for spring flowerbeds.
Dyan Jones, Westmorland and Furness Council cabinet member – customer and waste services, said: “I’m delighted that these two initiatives will not only deliver savings on plant purchase costs and ongoing maintenance, but thanks to the judicious choice of perennial plants, they’ll also provide sustainable, bio-diverse habitats for wildlife, delivering on a key priority for the council – enhancing biodiversity.
“Once established, these beds will provide year round fauna and we hope to extend further planting across the area, year by year.”