Corstorphine in Bloom is about turning local support into visible change. We now have a clearer picture of what can be done, what support is available, and how businesses, community groups and residents can get involved.
This is important because the project is no longer just about future ambition. There are already practical opportunities to improve Corstorphine with flowers, planters and wildlife-friendly ideas.
What businesses can do
Businesses can play a major part in improving the look of Corstorphine’s shopping streets and local centres.
Hanging baskets
Businesses can install hanging baskets to brighten shopfronts and make shopping areas more attractive and welcoming.
Trough planters
Businesses can also install trough planters outside their premises, subject to council approval.
If you are interested in trough planters, tell us the proposed size and location and we will help arrange for the council to come out and advise. This helps make sure any planters are suitable for the space and work safely in the public realm.
What is possible in community spaces
There are also opportunities beyond individual businesses.
Barrel planters
Barrel planters in parks and at the library are possible now. These offer a practical way to bring colour and planting into important shared spaces that local people already use and value.
Community planters in shopping areas
The council has indicated that community planters in shopping areas could potentially be supported through the Visitor Levy (tourist tax). That creates a possible route to larger-scale improvements in key local areas if enough support can be shown.
Support available
One of the strengths of the project is that local people and businesses do not have to do everything alone.
City of Edinburgh Parks
City of Edinburgh Parks can provide:
- soil
- some plants
- practical advice
This makes it easier to get planting projects started and helps ensure they are workable and sustainable.
Edinburgh Zoo and an animal-themed trail
Edinburgh Zoo has also offered advice and is exploring how it might help create an animal-themed trail.
This could give Corstorphine in Bloom a distinctive local identity by linking planting, public spaces, wildlife and education. It could also help connect the project to local conservation work and create something that is attractive for residents, families and visitors.
What has already been achieved
A number of important things have already been clarified:
- businesses can install hanging baskets
- businesses can pursue trough planters, with council advice on size and location
- barrel planters in parks and at the library are possible now
- community planters in shopping areas may be possible through Visitor Levy funding
- City of Edinburgh Parks can provide soil, some plants and advice
- Edinburgh Zoo is interested in advising and helping shape an animal-themed trail
This means the project now has real foundations. We are not starting from scratch. We have practical options, potential partners and a clearer sense of what can happen next.
Help shape the next stage
Corstorphine in Bloom will work best if businesses, community groups and residents all play a part.
Whether you want to support hanging baskets, install a trough planter, help with barrel planters, back community planting, or support a future animal-themed trail, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Register your interest and help us build the next stage of Corstorphine in Bloom.