BULBS are bedding in at Dorchester's Borough Gardens with the hope of creating a beautiful display of daffodils next spring.

The bulbs are set to create a memory garden with the project being organised by the Dorchester and District Marie Curie Fundraising Group.

The group has been supported by Goulds Garden Centre and two local stores in Dorchester, which have been selling vouchers for bulbs to be planted in the garden.

It then held a planting day at the gardens where people came along and exchanged their vouchers for bulbs to plant.

Among those who attended were members of the Dorchester U3A (University of the Third Age) garden group, who planted 100 of their own bulbs.

Also present were members of the Fundraising Friends 222 group, while Anthony Gould of Goulds Garden Centre was there to lend his help on the day.

Chairman of the local Marie Curie fundraising group Richard Crosby said: "I'd like to express my thanks to Anthony and his staff for their assistance, and although it is too soon to be able to say how much was raised, the main purpose was to provide an area that those who have lost relatives and friends for quiet reflection.

"I'd also like to thank Steve Newman from Dorchester Town Council. who earmarked the site for us to plant the 1,200 daffodil bulbs."

The team at the Borough Gardens has helped prepare the area for planting and it is hoped the daffodils will appear next spring to launch Marie Curie's annual Great Daffodil Appeal.

The 1,200 bulbs represent the number of terminal patients who have been cared for by the 108 Marie Curie nurses in Dorset over the past 12 months.

Grassbys Memorials has agreed to provide a Portland stone plaque, which will be placed at the site near the Princes Street entrance of the Borough Gardens.

Caroline Porter from Dorchester, whose husband was care for by Marie Curie nurses, said: "“A memory garden will be a comforting place to visit, whether to wander through or sit and reflect on happy memories."

Mr Crosby said he would love to hear from anyone who would be willing to help with street or store collecting for the charity, or any business that would be willing to take a box of daffodils to sell next March.

He can be contacted by email at richard.crosby2@me.com or on 07879 692369.