A new biodiverse sand garden at The Arc on Thetford Road has now been planted, following a major community effort by Brandon in Bloom volunteers, local businesses, residents and community groups.
The project, at the Thetford Road and Green Road junction, has been developed by Brandon in Bloom CIC after the group received National Lottery funding in November 2025 for a new biodiverse garden at the site.
After removing the turf and assessing the ground during the summer, the group decided to create a sand garden – an innovative form of planting designed to need less water and maintenance while providing resilient growing conditions for drought-tolerant plants. Once established, the garden is intended to require no irrigation or fertiliser.
Preparatory work in recent weeks was carried out with the help of Ben Betts of Betts of Brandon Ltd, Luke and Gemma Todd of Cambridge Landscape Services and other members of the Todd family, including preparing the ground and installing recycled-plastic edging.
The transformation stepped up a gear on Friday 9th October, when Rory J Holbrooks generously donated a full load of “As Dug” sand, delivered directly from the quarry.
Around 20 tonnes of sand was used to create a 10cm-deep surface across the 88-square-metre border. Ben Betts, members of the Todd family, Brandon in Bloom volunteers and local neighbours then worked together to spread the entire load in under two hours.
Before the sand went down, approximately 600 daffodils and 150 alliums were planted beneath the surface, ready to provide a colourful display in the future.
On Sunday 11th October, attention turned to planting the completed sand garden.
Members of the 1st Methwold Scout Group, led by Liam and Hope Todd, joined the effort alongside Alison Findlay, RHS East of England Regional Advisor for Community Campaigns.
Alison and Brandon in Bloom Director and Rotarian Susan Nutt first helped the Scouts plant 500 purple crocus bulbs for The Rotary Club, before the group began positioning around 600 ornamental grasses, herbaceous perennials and alpines throughout The Arc.
The plants were selected for the garden by Rachel Sobiechowski of P&R Garden Supplies and approved by Asa Gregers-Warg, Head Gardener at Beth Chatto’s Gardens, who has extensive experience of sand gardens.
The day also brought a particularly special addition to the new garden.
Joanna Jones from Plantlife UK joined Breckland Flora Group volunteers Bernard Pleasance and Sandi Kneale to plant 15 Field Wormwood (Artemisia campestris) plants – a very rare species associated with the Breckland area.
Field Wormwood is classed as Rare in Great Britain and Endangered on the GB Red List, with fewer than 1,000 plants recorded nationally. Only three original Breckland sites remain, making the introduction of the plants at The Arc an important part of efforts to increase both the number and size of populations in the region. The plants will now be closely monitored over the coming months.
The completion of the planting marks a major milestone for The Arc, transforming the prominent roadside area into a garden designed not only to provide colour and interest, but also to demonstrate a more sustainable and resilient approach to planting.
The garden has been kindly sponsored by The Rotary Club of Brandon and District, with information boards due to be installed at the site shortly.
