The Queen of Croydon

[By Lis Watkins in London] It’s been a hive of activity at Croydon Saffron Central recently. With the saffron harvest long finished, the site is now becoming a haven for bees and is being planted up with colourful, fragrant flowers. Sunflower seeds are starting to sprout near the boundaries of the demolition site and hopefully at some point over the summer, their heads will peep over the top of the wooden fences.

The crowdfunded project, started last year by Ally McKinlay, relies on volunteers lending a helping hand with the watering and planting. There is also an opportunity to paint bee inspired artwork on the fences. Although many of the Crocus Sativus plants were distributed free to local parks after the harvest, others remain like dried grasses at the bottom of the beds.

Pride of place goes to a bee hive which is securely fenced off in the corner of the site. Next to the hive is a yellow box which Ally explained is there in case another queen hatches in the hive and has to be removed by the beekeeper as apparently there is only room for one queen in a hive.

The tower block which was demolished belonged to the local council and the site is overlooked by their new headquarters. With the possibility of the new building work on the site being delayed, there may be a chance of another saffron harvest later in the year. I hope to pop back soon to draw some more as the flowers begin to bloom.