La Laguna Enhances Urban Aesthetics with 2,800 New Seasonal Flowers

The municipality of La Laguna has embarked on an ambitious seasonal flower planting campaign, introducing a vibrant array of 2,800 new plants aimed at beautifying its public squares and gardens. This initiative is a testament to the city’s commitment to enhancing its urban landscape and fostering community pride.

Initiative to Revitalize Urban Spaces

La Laguna’s Town Hall, through its dedicated Municipal Services Department, has kicked off the planting of colorful petunias and begonias across various public areas this September. Fran Hernández, the councillor responsible for this initiative, highlighted that this effort is part of a comprehensive annual plan that includes additional plantings scheduled for January and May. This seasonal campaign is designed to occur three times a year, with a particular focus on revitalizing urban spaces, especially in the historic center of the city.

During the festive Christmas season, the municipality plans to introduce approximately 10,000 poinsettias, ensuring that neighborhoods throughout La Laguna benefit from these beautification efforts. The seasonal planting not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the city but also contributes to a sense of community and belonging among residents.

Strategic Planting Locations

Key locations selected for this planting initiative include the iconic Plaza de la Concepción, the historic Plaza de la Catedral, and the vibrant Plaza del Doctor Olivera, among others. The choice of petunias and begonias was made based on their striking visual appeal and their adaptability to the local climate, ensuring that the flowers thrive and contribute positively to the environment.

Hernández expressed his gratitude for the hard work and dedication of the Parks and Gardens staff, acknowledging their expertise in executing these planting campaigns with precision and care. He emphasized that the city’s image is significantly shaped by these gardening efforts, which reflect the meticulous planning and attention to detail of the team involved. The vibrant flowers are not just a visual enhancement; they symbolize the community’s commitment to maintaining a beautiful and welcoming urban environment.

Addressing Vandalism and Theft Issues

Despite the positive strides made through these initiatives, La Laguna faces challenges related to vandalism and theft. Approximately 20% of the newly planted flowers and plants are lost due to these issues, which undermines the beautification efforts and detracts from community enjoyment. In response to this ongoing problem, a collaborative effort between the Municipal Services and Citizen Security departments has been established, led by Badel Albelo. This initiative aims to intensify surveillance in the area, ensuring that the newly planted flowers are protected.

As part of this effort, the municipality has begun opening sanction files for acts of vandalism, with fines reaching up to €540 for offenders. This approach underscores the seriousness with which the Town Hall is addressing these challenges, aiming to foster a sense of responsibility among residents and deter future incidents of theft and vandalism.

Promoting Community Engagement and Responsibility

The Town Hall of La Laguna is actively encouraging residents to respect and care for the newly planted flowers, emphasizing that these plants are a communal asset that enhances the city’s environment and contributes to the well-being of all citizens. Community involvement is crucial in maintaining the beauty of these public spaces, and the municipality is hopeful that residents will take pride in their surroundings.

This seasonal planting campaign is part of a broader municipal strategy aimed at improving and maintaining green spaces throughout La Laguna. The commitment to enhancing urban greenery has not gone unnoticed, as La Laguna has earned recognition from the United Nations as a Tree City of the World. This prestigious designation highlights the city’s dedication to environmental sustainability and urban forestry, further solidifying its reputation as a model for other municipalities.

Key points

• La Laguna has initiated a seasonal flower planting campaign, adding 2,800 petunias and begonias.
• The planting is part of an annual plan that includes additional plantings in January and May.
• Approximately 10,000 poinsettias will be added during the Christmas season.
• Key locations for planting include Plaza de la Concepción, Plaza de la Catedral, and Plaza del Doctor Olivera.
• About 20% of the plants are lost due to theft and vandalism.
• Fines for vandalism can reach up to €540.
• La Laguna has been recognized by the UN as a Tree City of the World.