OVER the winter months a small band of volunteers from Astwood Bank in Bloom took on the challenge of restoring a former council maintained rockery on Evesham Road in Astwood Bank.

The Astwood Bank in Bloom group has been clearing the 40 metre long rockery while Redditch Council has been clearing away the waste.

SE Davis of Astwood Bank provided the topsoil for the project, and Botany Bay Nurseries & Garden Centre provided plants.

Many residents also helped restore the rockery to its former glory by donating cash.

18 months ago the Astwood Bank Carnival Committee allocated some of its funds to help establish the Astwood Bank in Bloom group.

In 2015 the group, working with the support of again SE Davis, Botany Bay Nurseries and Redditch Borough Council managed to establish seven large planters, five flower beds, and replanted the area around the war memorial.

This year the programme has been able to expand further due to being given a grant by Redditch Borough Council to buy 15 flower troughs from Where Next to place around the village, and further grants from county councillors Philip Gretton and Stuart Cross to create new flower beds and barrier troughs along Evesham Road.

Colin Bates, who helped form Astwood Bank in Bloom, said: “The support we got from everyone in our first year has continued to grow, and we hope residents, businesses and visitors to Astwood Bank will enjoy the displays throughout the summer months.

"With Astwood Bank Open Gardens taking place the weekend of June 11 to 12 this will be an ideal opportunity to not only take in the gardens but also the wonderful beds, troughs and baskets that will be in full bloom by then.”