Freshly planted flower beds have brought a burst of colour to Central Surgery after a project to rejuvenate a pair of long-neglected borders.

The joint project with Farnham Town Council for the surgery in Union Road has seen beds, previously choked with alkanet, bindweed and thistle, cleared with the removal of 12 one-ton bags of roots and debris, plus two tree stumps.

Ten tons of topsoil were then hand-dug in to prepare the area for long-term planting.

Dr Martin Ballard said: “Inside the surgery, we have a variety of easy-to-clean and low-maintenance houseplants, which have attracted many positive comments from patients. We wanted to ensure the outside space was just as welcoming.

“The approach was both cost-effective and embraced the widely recognised health benefits of incorporating plants into our environment. We’re delighted to be in the town centre and felt it important to contribute positively to the surrounding community and to ‘keep up appearances’, being directly opposite the town council.”

The planting scheme, designed by Dragonfly Garden Designs, mirrors the surgery’s palette of silvers, purples and shades of mustard and orange. It also takes into account soil pH, wind direction and site aspect.

Among the chosen plants are Parrotia ‘Vanessa’ trees, Miscanthus grasses, Salvia ‘Little Spires’, Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’, Heuchera ‘Chocolate Ruffles’ and Verbena, with spring bulbs and irises interspersed.

Dr Ballard added: “It has been such a pleasure working with Farnham Town Council and Farnham in Bloom volunteers. The transformation – from an overgrown border to a calm, welcoming entrance – has truly enhanced the environment for both patients and staff.”

Councillor Mat Brown, lead member for environment, said: “We were delighted to help Central Surgery with this project and in just four days, the space was totally revitalised.

“The garden will be maintained by a Friends group from the surgery and is an excellent example of the partnerships that make Farnham in Bloom such a success. I’m really looking forward to seeing the flowers bloom – it will make for a stunning display as you come into Farnham.”

Businesses interested in similar team volunteering projects can email Farnham Town Council at [email protected].