The rail company liked the initiative so much that Transport for London has been running the In Bloom competition every year since 1910. In it, metro employees create their own landscaping projects, write Guardian.
Walthamstow Central Bus Station: Winner in the 'Rookie' category. Pre-Halloween composition. Photo: Jill Mead
Plants are planted in the most unexpected places - they can grow close to the tracks or right in the middle of abandoned roads.
A similar approach is used for vessels for plants. It can be both mayonnaise cans and boxes in which food is usually delivered. The main task is to ensure that the improvised garden is in harmony with the surrounding space.
The flower arrangements at South Tottenham station are tended by a local woman who lives nearby. Photo: Jill Mead
The winners of the competition, which, by the way, are stations and not people, are chosen at once in several categories: "Best Indoor Garden", "Best Fruits and Vegetables", "Best Hanging Pots", "Best Window Pots", etc.
This is what the abandoned Goodge Street station looks like. Photo: Jill Mead
Only 45% of the London Underground is underground, but even there employees are trying to implement green projects. So, at the Morden station, they grow a variety of fruits and vegetables in the middle of an abandoned platform, including cherries, potatoes, hot peppers and plums. TfL notes that workers often use this area to rest during working hours.
Cactus display at Arnos Grove station. Photo: Jill Mead
Cactus display at Arnos Grove station. Photo: Jill Mead
At Acton Town, an abandoned platform has been transformed into a potted jungle. Passengers waiting for their train can admire them on the other side of the track.
The best environmental project was a flower installation made from an old tire at Acton Town station. Photo: Jill Mead
A dahlia bloomed near the tracks at South Tottenham station. The flower bed has already received its award in the competition.
The South Tottenham station took the title of seasoned winner, helped by the 'Moonfire' dahlia. Photo: Jill Mead
The competition honors London Underground staff who have helped plant and maintain the gardens.
“When I'm at the stations, customers often tell me how much it 'makes' their day. Sometimes they even volunteered to help with flowerbeds while waiting for their train,” says Richard Baker, Elizabeth Line community representative.
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