Spring bulb displays can be spectacular and there’s likely to be a new destination on the spring bulb display calendar next year and for the foreseeable future as Sidmouth in Devon embarks on a ‘Plant a Million Bulbs’ challenge in response to a £2.3 million legacy gift that was made by a Canadian banker, Keith Owen, who was originally born nearby, and whose mother had retired to Sidmouth.  

Mr Owen died of lung cancer but made arrangements to leave his retirement fund, his pension and some properties to Sid Vale Association with instructions that his gift should be spent locally keeping Sidmouth beautiful. One of his specific suggestions was to plant a million bulbs in verges, gardens, lawns and borders around the town.

The local garden centre must have thought it had won the lottery when the order recently came in and Sidmouth locals are being asked to step up to the challenge to get the million bulbs into the ground.

If you’re considering where to go next year to see a wonderful display of spring colour Sidmouth is likely to be on that list for some years to come.  Sidmouth is already a pretty place but I’m sure Sid Vale Association will spend Mr Owen’s money wisely and his legacy will be apparent for all to see.