Market garden bids to attract insects year-round

The plants have been added to raised beds with a built-in irrigation system that uses rainwater

More than 800 plants and bulbs have been planted in Bradford city centre to encourage insects to pollinate the area all year round.

The "lush" new garden at Darley Street Market will provide a link with neighbouring planting areas, creating a network of "habitat stepping stones", Bradford Council said.

The plants include clematis, jasmine, honeysuckle and passionflower, and have been chosen to withstand a range of temperatures and weather conditions.

A council spokesperson said the plants would "soften" the market square and make it a "welcoming multi-sensory space" for visitors.

The garden is one of a range of "habitat stepping stones" for insects, Bradford Council said

The plants are a mix of climbers, evergreen shrubs, perennial plants and bulbs including a number of architectural plants that aim to give a "lush, exotic feel" to the space.

The raised beds have a built-in irrigation system which uses harvested rainwater to ensure the plants survive periods of drought.

A spokesperson for contractor Horticon Ltd said: “Now is the best time of year to do this type of planting as it gives the new plants time to settle and get established ahead of the winter season."

They added: "The plants selected really complement the amazing space that has been created as part of this new market.”

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