Croydon has been treated to its annual splash of floral colour over the last week or so, as the council’s contractors have been out late at night putting some 62,000 bedding plants out on the streets as part of the annual Croydon in Bloom celebrations.

Although the borough is blessed with huge amounts of green open space and woodland, the town and district centres often have a rather grey reputation.

So, organisers say, bringing in the bright and colourful baskets, planters, troughs and towers is a great way of lifting spirits and bringing about a bit of business confidence at a time when every little helps.

• Find out about more local green groups at greenguardian.co.uk