HOUSEHOLDERS and businesses across Torbay are being urged to grow and display sunflowers in support of Ukraine.
The Torbay Sunflower Trail, which was initially launched in the Bay during 2021 to counter the gloom of Covid-19, is returning for a different cause – the Ukrainian invasion.
The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine and having been a huge success with the people of Torbay last year, Torbay Community Builders are keen for the trail to return as a symbol of solidarity with the victims of the Ukrainian invasion.
As the first refugees begin arriving in the Bay, it may be some months before they get to see the efforts of green-fingered gardners, but community builders are hoping the results will be spectacular. And it is not just about growing sunflowers from seed, the project also encourages locals to put sunflowers outside their homes, or to draw/craft anything sunflower related, and share photos of all on the Facebook group, called “Torbay Sunflower Trail”
The group has already had over 600 locals join, with many photos of towering sunflowers and creative crafts and interesting sunflower-related tips and facts.
Dan Best, the community builder for Hele, Watcombe and Barton has helped run the trail over several years and has been delighted by the enthusiasm shown:
“Growing sunflowers is fun for all the family and has proved very popular in the past.”
“But with the invasion of Ukraine, we have an additional reason to grow and display them where everybody can see and admire them. They can also share and compare their efforts on our Facebook page. We are hoping that given the circumstances, even more people will become involved this year.”
Anyone who doesn’t have their own seeds or pots can request a starter kit from their local community builder, in exchange for a small donation which will be used for refugees arriving in the Bay.
Your local Community Builder’s contact details are available on the Torbay Community Development Trust website, under the “About Us” section (www.torbaycdt.org.uk). Alternatively, to take part call 01803 212638 or email [email protected]
