MORPETH’S jewel in the crown will blossom in the Suffragette colours of green, white and purple this summer.
The floral tribute to Emily Wilding Davison at Carlisle Park has been carried out by members of the Hepscott Park Horticultural Skills Unit (HSU).
Located at the entrance to the aviary, the permanent flower-bed memorial marks the 100th anniversary of the renowned women’s rights campaigner’s death after suffering injuries during the Epsom Derby.
Pamela Robson, assistant manager of Hepscott Park HSU, said: “We were honoured to be invited by Carlisle Park to have the opportunity to be involved in what will be a beautiful tribute to the life of Emily Davison.
“The HSU will maintain the memorial throughout the year and we hope that visitors to the park will enjoy the range of perennial plants that will bloom every year in the Suffragette colours.”
The unit, which is managed by Northumberland County Council, provides work experience in horticulture for adults with learning disabilities. The range of perennial flowers planted includes Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ and Campanula ‘White Bell’.
Alison Jones, green spaces officer for the authority at Carlisle Park, said: “This memorial will complement the annual bedding displays within the park and the colours adopted by the Suffragettes will make a beautiful display at the entrance to the aviary.
“Purple was chosen to symbolise dignity, white purity and green hope.
“The workers at the HSU are very dedicated and hard- working and I am sure that this will be a project that they will take a great deal of pride in.
“It will certainly add to our display for Britain in Bloom and I am expecting it to be a great crowd puller.”
For more information about the unit and its various activities, telephone 01670 514255.