GILBERT the flower dragon has returned to Salisbury’s High Street for the tenth year to kick off this year’s City of Flowers.
Gilbert – a rising star who has got more than 300 fans on social networking site Facebook and is photographed by visiting tourists from all over the world – is maintained by Salisbury City Council’s grounds team.
The team also manages the flowerbed in the Queen Elizabeth Gardens, which marks the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
City clerk Reg Williams said: “An unbelievable amount of hard work goes into ensuring Salisbury’s flowers in the summer are maintained to the highest quality.
“Gilbert and the floral displays really do justice to our beautiful city.
“It is a joy to see children and visitors having their pictures taken with Gilbert.”
Salisbury City of Flowers involves children in Gilbert colouring competitions, and local businesses, pubs, restaurants and cafes decorate their exteriors with hanging baskets and boxes.
Awards for allotment holders and a scarecrow competition are also organised by the council.
Last year Salisbury won awards at the South West in Bloom competition. This year it is hoped that the city will be able to top that success.
Full details of Salisbury City of Flowers are at www.salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk.
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