Poignant poppies re-flowering across Swansea

BEDS of poppies have again started flowering across Swansea as the country continues to mark 70 years since the end of World War Two.

The poppies planted outside the Civic Centre and close to the cenotaph on the seafront are among those to have re-seeded and come into the bloom once again this summer.

Swansea Council first planted the poppy seeds at both locations 12 months ago to mark a century since the start of World War One. Over 35kg of free poppy seeds were also either collected by city residents or ordered by schools, historical societies, community councils and other organisations.

Cllr Mark Child, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Healthy City, said: “It’s terrific that many of the poppy seeds first planted this time last year in Swansea have started to re-flower once again this year. It not only makes for a magnificent spectacle – it’s also incredibly poignant because this year marks 70 years since the end of World War Two and a century since World War One battles in places like Ypres and French Flanders.

“Together with the wild flower seeds we’ve now planted at over 125 locations across the city, the poppies will help lead to a riot of colour this summer that will be as beautiful as it is poignant. Our parks department deserves huge credit for these displays because they boost people’s spirits every year and have won praise from visitors to the city and many thousands of residents.”

It’s expected wild flower seed mixtures including summery picking, pastel mix, rainbow annual and colour bouquets orange will be in full bloom across Swansea from the middle of July in time for the peak tourist season and school summer holidays. The scheme is being funded by Swansea Council, Community Councils and local Ward Members via their environmental allowances.

Locations to benefit include land adjacent to Ynysforgan roundabout, Scott’s Pit in Birchgrove and Dyfed Avenue in Townhill. Other spots where seeds have been planted include Dyfatty interchange, Sketty Park roundabout, Pentreguinea Road in St Thomas, Normandy Road by the Liberty Stadium and part of Fabian Way’s central reservation.