The flowers have been planted in a space previously occupied by an ugly container, reports Alexandros Ioannides

The Southgate Station flowerbed, before and after its transformation (credit Dan Maier)

Newly-designed flowerbeds have brightened up an area outside Southgate Station.

The addition of flowers and plants to the south side of the iconic Art Deco station has been made possible following the removal of an ugly container used by bus drivers.

In its place have now been installed five charcoal grey flowerbeds, with help from Transport for London and Dan Maier of Extraordinary Design, a local Southgate designer and artist known for her public art and vibrant work in the area.

After the container was eventually removed, a team of 19 volunteers, co-ordinated by Southgate District Civic Voice (SDCV), a voluntary organisation group, worked to transform the area with vibrant plants.

Dan Maier told the Dispatch: “We wanted charcoal grey to complement the station and we tried to get year-round, vibrant colours and low-maintenance plants.

“The shrubs include rosemary and lavender for their scent and to attract the bees, as suggested by Luke Dixon MBE of the Bee Friendly Trust, and volunteers have rallied with great enthusiasm to support this initiative and will continue to tend the plants throughout the year.

“We are also really grateful to TfL customer service supervisor Jordan West.”

Jane Maggs, vice chair of SDCV, also spoke of the demand for more greenery in the local area, addng: “This project has been a long time coming.”

Southgate Station was designed by Charles Holden and opened in 1933, and is an iconic for its “flying saucer” design and original Art Deco features.

If anyone would like to join the volunteer group, please email:
Email [email protected]

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