OiB first planted these wrecked bicycles in the Firestation flowerbed some years ago. Time and weather has done its damage, so we upgraded the structure and baskets to show off these flowers.

OiB first planted these wrecked bicycles in the Firestation flowerbed some years ago. Time and weather has done its damage, so we upgraded the structure and baskets to show off these flowers.
Back in February 2020 OIB were discussing how to celebrate 20 years of OIB, possibly paying for a new seat or planting up the BT building’s garden. Fast forward just a few weeks and the country was in lockdown with members restricted to their homes and, depending on their health and age, access to regular outdoor exercise. A very strange time which was made slightly better by some of the loveliest spring weather we have seen. This lovely weather dried out many plantings around town which could not be supported by Leeds Parks as they had to modify work roles across the city.
OIB had to change what it does as well. We have tried to maintain a new Daily Flower posting on Facebook. Our monthly meetings have moved onto the web in Zoom. Eventually, lockdown limits were raised enough to allow us to tidy and replant the garden at the Fire Station. Moving into June/July we decided to help Otley reopen its centre by filling and planting up 32 barrier planters and asked Otley inhabitants to contribute via crowdsourcing (an OIB first).
When OIB decided to bring back plants to all the barrier planters (32) around central Otley we hoped we would get a lot of help from companies selling us compost and plants and we were not disappointed. Thank you B&TS and Courtyard Planters.
But we didn’t know what to do about the watering. Well the kind companies of Otley stepped up to give us a hand, so we really do thank:
and Arundel Travel
all of whom have stepped up to give Otley a helping hand. Thanks.
To celebrate the latest Tour de Yorkshire we thought we should replace the willow bikes, that had survived for 5 years, with some re-cycled ones. Six of us tidied up …
we tried the three bikes in different positions …
the fire station gave us a cuppa …
we planted up the bike baskets …
and we managed to do all this and keep dry.
The flowers on the backs of the willow bike riders at the fire station have been renewed, and a few adjustments made to the bikes.
We also replanted the square wooden planters in Orchardgate behind the bus station for Autumn.
And Jacquie replanted the green bicycle outside the library too.
Three willow bicycles, with riders, have been installed at the Fire Station, just in time for the Tour de Yorkshire tomorrow. They are made by Dragon Willow, and are the result of a collaboration between Otley in Bloom, Otley Fire and Rescue, Otley Lions and Dragon Willow, celebrating Lizzie Armitstead, the reigning World, Commonwealth and National road race champion.
Enjoy the races tomorrow!