Brandon’s High Street planters have undergone a refresh, with familiar trees replaced as part of the 2025 Brandon In Bloom initiative.
The change isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s a strategic effort to enhance the town’s environmental footprint while aligning with this year’s Jane Austen-inspired Regency theme.
The previous trees, which had reached the end of their roughly five-year container lifespan, found a new home in a micro-forest within Brandon, supporting a local beekeeping project. This creative rehoming solution not only extended the trees’ life but also enriched local biodiversity, reflecting a thoughtful approach to urban greening.
The new planters feature Thuja topiaries, known for their dense, pollution-filtering foliage, alongside perennials chosen for their ability to capture fine particulate matter, including tyre and brake dust. These plants, with their hairy or serrated leaves, are particularly effective at trapping airborne particles in the critical 2.5 to 10-micron range, helping to mitigate the impact of vehicle emissions despite increasing traffic.
Preparing the planters for their new residents required significant effort from the Brandon In Bloom team, including its younger members. Volunteers carefully removed the old trees, pressure-washed the containers, and installed fresh capillary matting to optimise water retention.
West Suffolk Council supported the effort by providing free compost, produced locally at the Red Lodge facility. This compost, made from green waste and brown bin collections, undergoes a rapid transformation through a tightly controlled, heat-driven process, turning garden clippings into nutrient-rich soil in just a few weeks. Despite a recent fire disrupting local supplies, this sustainable approach underscores the community’s commitment to recycling and waste reduction.
With the new plants in place, volunteers now face the ongoing challenge of maintenance, including regular watering and litter removal. Cigarette butts, in particular, pose a persistent nuisance, highlighting the importance of respectful public behavior to maintain the area’s fresh new look.
Many of the planters already have sponsors, but a few remain available for those interested in supporting the town’s beautification and environmental goals.
By sponsoring a planter, residents can contribute directly to the improvement of air quality and the overall appeal of Brandon’s High Street.
