Helena, a keen gardener with an interest in supporting wildlife, has only just moved to Bedford – and yet is already getting involved in giving back to the community she’s joined, by sponsoring a brand new street tree.
commemorating new beginnings
“I saw the notices on other newly planted trees in Bedford and really liked the scheme,” Helena explained us. “We moved to our house in October and immediately requested a tree which will remind us of our move to Bedford.”
And what better way to put down your roots in a new location than sponsoring a tree! Helen is a keen gardener, ensuring her own outdoor space is a haven for biodiversity. Now she’ll get to enjoy even more nature, right on her doorstep.
“I feel extremely happy to be able to make a difference to our street and provide a tree for everyone to enjoy.”
WHERE FLOWERS BLOOM
Prunus ‘Sunset Boulevard’ is a tree that is well-suited for an urban environment – with its compact size and minimal demands once its established. But in the early stages of growth it does need extra care in the summer months. Helena has taken on the task of watering it for at least its first three years.
In the spring, her efforts will be rewarded with the tree’s lovely blossoms – white tinged with pink. But the flowers won’t be there just to be pretty – they will also become a good source of nectar for bees and butterflies.
Get Involved
Bedford is just one of many areas across the country that has benefitted from the Trees for Streets initiative, getting trees planted on streets and in parks.
Checking if your council runs a scheme is simply a case of putting in your postcode on our website. And if the council doesn’t run a tree sponsorship scheme yet, you can use our submission form to express your interest to them.
The trees planted then provide a host of benefits for both humans and wildlife – creating shade during increasingly hotter summers, absorbing excess water during rainy seasons, and providing sustenance and shelter for local wildlife.
Everyone benefits – so let’s fill our streets with trees!
Written by Liza Steinberg
