Derby in Bloom returns to Pentagon Island after landmark display transformed

The landmark feature, which has welcomed thousands of motorists into Derby for more than two decades, has been completely replanted as part of a project to create a greener and more attractive entrance to the city.

The transformation has been delivered through a partnership between Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Derby City Council and Down to Earth Derby.

After becoming increasingly hidden by overgrowth in recent years, the familiar Derby in Bloom display is once again visible, surrounded by a carefully selected mix of native trees, shrubs and colourful wildflowers.

A greener gateway to Derby

The new planting includes native species such as hawthorn, field maple and wild privet, alongside wildflowers including foxglove, ox-eye daisy and red campion.

As well as bringing colour back to Pentagon Island, the scheme has been designed to provide a valuable habitat for local wildlife.

The plants will support pollinators, birds and other species while also requiring less intensive maintenance than the previous display, helping to create a more sustainable gateway into Derby.

For many people travelling into the city, the Derby in Bloom feature has long been a familiar sight, and its restoration brings an important piece of Derby identity back into view.

Brad Worley, BID Manager for Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter BIDs, said:

“When we first announced plans to bring Derby in Bloom back, we said we wanted to restore something that people in Derby genuinely cared about. The reaction we received showed just how much affection there is for this landmark.”

The completed planting now provides visitors arriving from Pentagon Island with a brighter, greener welcome to Derby – while giving wildlife a new place to thrive in the heart of the city.