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Artistic plans to create a floral tribute to the North East’s best known landmarks have been submitted as Gateshead Council’s entry to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Gateshead Council today launched its design which celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Great North Run. The design by Alan J Smith OBE of Redbox Design Group is sponsored by Nova and Northumbrian Water.
It pays homage to the world-famous race and features the installation of a mini Tyne Bridge, constructed of steel and stone measuring 14m long by 4m high.
Runners across the bridge will be depicted by 55,000 violas while the North East’s mining heritage will be represented by a seam of slate.
As the theme of the design is ‘Active and Healthy Gateshead’ it links in with Gateshead being named the European City of Sport 2010. It includes a fully usable ‘green gym’ which the public will be invited to use to power lighting under the bridge.
The Great North Forest also features and will consist of trees native to the forest like birch, ash, oak, while the floor will be planted with bluebells, miniature narcissi, primulas and other wild flowers.
Leader of Gateshead Council Cllr Mick Henry told The Landscaper : “It is an exciting and ambitious project that really celebrates the Great North Run and Gateshead’s commitment to getting active and healthy. We are particularly pleased that the garden will be installed as a permanent feature in Gateshead after it has been to Chelsea.