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Buckingham Palace has revealed two 30-ft long flowerbeds, created as a tribute to NHS workers ahead of the health service’s 72nd anniversary on Sunday.
The colourful flowerbeds feature blooms spelling out NHS, and have been planted in the Memorial Gardens in St Jame’s Park, in commemoration of the health workers working on the frontline during the coronavirus pandemic.
The two flowerbeds measure 12 by five metres, and the floral letters are formed of 1,500 white begonias (Begonia semperflorens ‘Heaven White’) against a blue background of a staggering 21,000 drought resistant succulents (Echeveria imbricate, Senecio serpens and Sedum pachyclados).
According to park manager Mark Wasilewski, it’s the first change of design the Memorial Gardens have witnessed in decades – possibly since the First World War, when the flowerbeds were planted with potatoes.
Buckingham Palace NHS Flowerbed Tribute – In pictures
Rob Dowling, assistant park manager at St James’s Park said: “We hope it demonstrates how special the NHS is to The Royal Parks and is just a small token of our appreciation for all their hard work and dedication this year, and every year.”
The heartfelt tribute comes as people will be encouraged to clap for NHS workers at 5pm this Sunday, on the health service’s 72nd anniversary.
This follows the success of the weekly Clap for Carers, which saw the country applauding NHS and care staff from their doorsteps during the first weeks of the Covid-19 lockdown.
Broadcasters will also suspend transmissions for the applause, termed #Thankyoutogether, as a mark of respect.
On July 4, the evening before, people will also be asked to put a light in their windows in remembrance of those lost to the pandemic.
Public buildings will also be lit up in blue for the NHS, including the Royal Albert Hall, Blackpool Tower, the Shard and the Wembley Arch.
The flowerbeds will be in the Memorial Gardens until mid-September.
