. . . to displays of great beauty

Hello, petal – how does your garden grow? Gary Welsh is responsible for tending to the city's flower displays.

"The best part of the day is when I get compliments from members of the public," says Gary Welsh whose job can't be ignored by anyone who visits Hull because he is responsible for keeping the city's flowers fed and watered.
Gary works for Continental Landscapes Ltd contracted by Hull City Council to tend the public hanging baskets, flower tubs and flower beds.
At work by 5.30am every morning, Gary starts bright and early before the traffic starts to build. And you can see why – in an average day, he has to water 656 hanging baskets and 80 flower beds in our city centre.
"Working in the city centre means it's important I get started early," explains Gary. "I need easy access for the van because that's where all the equipment is, and one of the biggest problems are delivery lorries that park outside shops in the mornings. I like to be done before they arrive so I can do the work without any major obstacles."
Taking great pride and satisfaction in the job, Gary admits it can be challenging work, but the comments and compliments that he and his colleagues receive from the public make it all worthwhile.
"It's a really nice feeling when you've been working really hard to make the flower displays grow and you actually get to hear first-hand how much people enjoy seeing the flowers in full bloom," Gary says.
"We have a good laugh meeting the public; some of them ask if I'll water their gardens while I'm at it!"
His round takes in locations including Jameson Street (which alone has 112 hanging baskets), Carr Lane, Queen Victoria Square, Queen's Gardens, Savile Street, the marina, and public buildings such as Hull City Hall.
His van is fitted with a water tank which holds 1,000 litres of water and has to be refilled six times.
Gary tends a vast array of flowers. The hanging baskets are planted with begonias, lobelias, geraniums and petunias, and the flower beds and tubs also have fuchsias, dahlias, and marigolds.
One of the more intricate displays that Gary looks after is a flower bed designed in the shape of a clock face, which can be now be seen in bloom at the corner of Prospect Street and Freetown Way.
Gary finishes work around 3pm and when he gets home he has perhaps a surprising way of winding down.
"I know it might sound odd to others," he adds, "but I like to tend the plants and flowers in my own garden! Well, why not?!"
So next time you see Gary and his colleagues, go ahead, make their day – tell him how much you like their flowers.