A large crocus display inspired by Indian cultural heritage has come into bloom at the University of Leicester Botanic Garden.
The installation, designed in a paisley pattern closely associated with Indian textiles and design, was created using around 40,000 crocus bulbs planted last autumn by a team of approximately 60 volunteers.
Picture credit: University of Leicester
The project was led by Nick Bailey, Director of the Botanic Garden and a presenter on BBC Gardeners’ World. The bulbs were planted over three days, forming a display roughly the size of two tennis courts.
Organisers said the choice of a paisley motif reflects Leicester’s strong links with India and the wider subcontinent. Around a third of the city’s population is of Indian heritage, and the design was intended to acknowledge that cultural connection.
Mr Bailey said: “The paisley motif originated from ancient Mesopotamia but was popularised, evolved and shared globally from India – travelling to South East Asia and Europe where it again evolved.
“In choosing this pattern we aimed to represent and celebrate the diversity of Leicester and its many communities.”
The display, featuring gold, mauve, violet and white crocuses, has appeared at the start of spring, a season often associated with renewal and festivals in Indian culture.
The project was funded by the Friends of the Garden, with volunteers carrying out the planting work.
Mr Bailey added that the display also marks the transition out of winter, noting that crocuses are traditionally seen as one of the first signs of spring.
