Train Stations

Train stations

Meols Station Beds

The existing beds once cleared were planted up with many perennials, fortunately we were able to save the roses with a lot of pruning and re-shaping which as you can see are doing very well with that extra bit of care.
After the new lifts were fitted and the builders gone we had permission to carry on and plant the two new beds we had started at the platform entrance. The one just outside the station was a nightmare to prepare as it was full of rubble. We cleared as much as possible and added manure. This bed is now planted up with ‘Eye of the Tiger roses’ and ‘hardy Geraniums’.
The other new bed just inside the gate has been planted up with ornamental grasses (again with the help of Neil Lucas) and some naturalistic perennials.

Meols Station Volunteers

Back in November 2017 work began on Meols station to restore the rather neglected space to its former glory. An army of green-fingered volunteers were recruited to reinstate the flowerbeds with the full support of station staff and Mersey Rail. The original two beds were eventually cleared with works initially focused on conditioning the soil. Once cleared they were planted up with many perennials, fortunately we were able to save the original roses with a lot of pruning and re-shaping which continue to do very well with that extra bit of care. An opportunity arose to create two new beds in March 2020, once works to install the lifts was complete. The bed located just outside the station was a challenge thanks to a great deal of rubble which had to be removed before any creative planting could take place. This bed is now planted with ‘Eye of the Tiger roses’ and ‘hardy Geraniums’. The other bed just inside the gate is planted with ornamental grasses & naturalistic perennials. At the time of planting local residents remembered the station had won awards for its blossoms and blooms. Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, who regularly tend to the garden space, we have been able to continue with this theme & have regularly received awards from the, Cheshire Best Kept Station competition. The plaques celebrating these acheivements can be viewed on the wall located above the waiting room.

The Awards

2020 – Special Award
2021 – Wirral Award
2022 – In Bloom Award
2023 – Best Kept Gardens Award
2024 – Best Staffed Station Award
2025 – In Bloom Award (still yet to be erected)

Hoylake station beds

The long beds on Hoylake station have been planted up with shrubs, climbers and herbaceous plants . For the winter months there is a lovely display of Daffodils, Cyclamen and wall flowers.

The station platform has 9 wooden planters which in Summer are planted up with geraniums and 2 larger shadier planters at the entrance, at present planted with begonias and nemesia. There is also 1 large planter at the far end of the platform planted with nemesia. In winter all the planters will be planted with spring bulbs and wallflowers.

During the Open Golf tournament in Hoylake the triangular area of land at the base of the steps on the West Kirby side of the railway was converted into a garden with a slate base provided by Merseyrail. Two wheelbarrows were placed in this space and were planted up with annuals providing extra colour for spectators arriving on the train. We have continued to maintain this area.

Hoylake Station has consistently won Cheshire Best Kept Station award for the Wirral line since 2017.

All the floral arrangements and flower beds are planted and maintained by teams of volunteers from Hoylake and Meols in Bloom who finance the project.