A new robot has been tasked with planting two million flowers across the northern city in a bid to better it’s built environment.
In preparation for the scheme, plants are being potted by a state-of-the-art robot, which has been used since 2017, at The Arium – a council run garden centre and plant nursey which is the largest in the country. The facility is comprised of a 19,000 square metre glasshouse.
Working wirelessly, the robot lifts young plants from their seed tray and pots them into their final tray in one action, which is when they will be distributed to the city’s roundabouts, flowerbeds and parks.
Leeds has been running a plant nursey since 1956 and it initially opened at the Red Hall Nursery in Whinmoor. As the nursery’s national reputation grew it helped Leeds become one of the most floral cities in the UK.
While looking impressive, growing research displays the positive effects flowers can have on cities including improving air quality and supporting biodiversity. On a subjective note, greenery has also been proven to help bolster mental wellbeing.
In October 2017, the site relocated to its new home on the outskirts of Thorner and rebranded as The Arium. They can now keep up with demand from local residents, the city’s own flower displays, as well as grow plants for other local authorities, universities and hospitals.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: ‘Leeds is quite unique in having the local authority run a brilliant plant nursery and garden centre, and we are very proud of it. The glasshouses are an impressive sight to behold, and I’d recommend booking in for a tour if you get a chance.
‘The Arium is a way for people to invest back in their city when they shop for their homes and gardens and that is very special.’
Although the glasshouse isn’t frequently open to the public, guided tours are offered within the last two weeks of April, first week in May and for two weeks in September.
More information about the centre can be found here.
Photos supplied via Leeds City Council.
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