The Arium celebrates its first birthday with customers

Leeds’ nursery, the Arium celebrated its first birthday in style on Friday 5^th October.

After asking the public to help choose their favourite birthday cake design, all customers last Friday who bought a hot drink at the café were treated to a free birthday cupcake to mark the site’s special occasion, whilst younger visitors were treated to Arium 1^st birthday balloons, face painting and themed crafts.

Since it replaced Red Hall Nursery in Whinmoor, the Arium although smaller in size than its predecessor, has benefitted hugely from its new and efficient 19,000 square metre glasshouse and produced more than 3.2 million plants during its first year of operation.

The majority of these plants have been distributed to the city’s parks, flower-beds, roundabouts and In-bloom groups as well as to private landscapers, universities, care homes and organisations outside of Leeds.

The Arium has also sold more than 400,000 of its home grown plants to members of the public in the nursery shop. The most popular of which has been their Zonal Geraniums which can be easily distinguished by their “zone” of red, blue, or purple coloured stripe through the middle of their leaves.

Another popular success at the Arium, especially for its younger visitors has been the playground and picnic area which includes a slide, tractor and the more recent addition of a mini road with ride-on-cars and even a petrol pump.

A survey carried out this summer revealed that 97% of visitors would recommend the Arium to friends and family – a great indicator that customers are enjoying what is on offer at the nursery.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment & active life styles, said:

"It was an absolute pleasure to help celebrate the Arium’s 1^st birthday last Friday. All the staff have worked so hard to make it a success, whilst ensuring they produce plants of the highest quality for Leeds green spaces and private sector clients.

"I am very proud that Leeds bedding plants are grown on site especially as there are only a handful of garden centres in the country that do this. We have exciting plans for the Arium over the next couple of years and look forward to welcoming lots of new customers in the years to come."

To find out more about the Arium visit www.theariumleeds.co.uk

For media enquiries, please contact;Jo Lepelley, Leeds City Council press office 0113 37 89177 or 0113 378 6007

Email: joanna.lepelley@leeds.gov.uk