I always look forward to this lovely drift of hundreds of purple crocuses when they come into bloom at Trentham Gardens
It really is a cheering sight
This year a notice has appeared to explain why the purple crocuses have been planted here.
I remember when I was a child in the 1950s there being talk of people having polio - all us children had to be vaccinated against it and diphtheria too. I remember the illustrations of people in iron lungs and seeing people on crutches or wearing metal leg braces who had suffered from polio. What a dreadful disease it is.
The rotary clubs internationally support the continued vaccination of children across the world and each year hold a 'purple pinkie day'. This is because when a child has been vaccinated against polio on national immunisation day they have their little finger dyed purple to show that they have been treated under the 'end polio now' campaign.
Apparently polio has been eradicated from all but three areas of the world. The disease can still be found in Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan but it is hoped that, because of campaigns like this, the world can be completely polio free by 2018.
I came to comment on your previous post, and you must have pressed the button to post this. Firstly, gorgeous crocus - lovely colour, secondly, I have never been to the Topiary gardens and they look fab!! Now on my ever growing list! Hope you are keeping OK xxxx
ReplyDeleteHa! Got you:) The crocuses are a lovely colour and I just know that you would love Elvaston Country Park. We are OK thanks, hope you are too:)
DeleteI've never seen the crocuses at Trentham, I don't think I've been in Spring as I've only visited about three times! They look lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe gardens and lakeside can look lovely in Spring, especially when the daffodils are in flower. You'll have to look out for the two for one offers on entry:)
DeleteBeautiful vibrant colours there Rosie - and all for a good cause as well. Haven't visited the gardens at Trentham for a while now although I do tend to frequent the little craft shop on a fairly regular basis! Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts x Jane
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jane - it has been lovely to see the sun. As we live nearby we get a yearly pass to the gardens and lakeside so pop in often to walk around the lake and get some exercise:)
DeleteThe spread of purple crocuses is beautiful - if only I could recreate that here!
ReplyDeleteI think I remember reading that there were no major outbreaks of polio before the late Victorian age, but I don't know why it became so much worse in last 100 years of so. It is fantastic to think it could be eradicated from the world in just four years.
I've no idea either why it was so prevalent in the first half of the 20th century, I must try and find out - I do remember the iron lungs though, as a child they used to frighten me:)
DeleteOh, they look lovely in drifts under the trees like that. Interesting that they commemorate the Polio programme - a horrible disease, as you say. Have a good weekend, Rosie. X
ReplyDeleteThanks, Abby, they do look spectacular don't they? You too have a happy weekend:)
DeleteThat is a beautiful sight thanks so much for sharing !
ReplyDeleteI hope the crocus show up here soon ~ it is snowing here again today .
Brr - stay warm! We haven't had much snow this winter but it is still cheering to see the crocuses:)
DeleteWhat a beautiful sight and what a wonderful message to send. I hope that one day this disease is totally eradicated from the whole world. xx
ReplyDeleteMe too Amy - there are so many awful diseases that are gone or almost gone so that is good:)
DeleteI didn't realise that polio was still around - when I was a kid there was lots of it about. The drifts of crocus are beautiful a great way of commemorating it - they are an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was around a lot in the 50s and early 60s certainly as I remember reports of it. It will be good to see it totally eradicated:)
DeleteWhat a lovely idea, I had an uncle and a cousin who both suffered from polio.
ReplyDeleteOh, dear - so you have first hand experience of polio and what it can do. It is a great way to promote the campaign of immunization:)
DeleteOh, Gorgeous photos of the crocus display and such a worthwhile idea:)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amanda - it is a lovely idea isn't it?:)
DeleteThe purple crocuses really lift the spirits. I remember having the polio vaccine on a sugar cube. x
ReplyDeleteI think I had an injection but I do remember when they started putting the vaccination stuff on a sugar cube:)
DeleteOne day I really must go round the gardens at Trentham - rather than just shop!
ReplyDeleteHa! Those shops are a big attraction - especially the garden centre as well - so much temptation:)
DeleteThis is such an excellent idea to raise awareness of this disease. Beautiful crocuses, the colour purple is so stunning.
ReplyDeletePatricia x
It's a lovely colour isn't it? I love the blue against the bark of the birch trees too:)
DeleteThat is interesting about the Polio campaign. The gardens look splendid don't they? How lovely to have a bit of sun too. Long may it continue.
ReplyDeleteYes, the gardens look good at the moment! It seeems that we have a couple more days of dry weather before the rain returns - time to mow the lawns I think:)
DeleteThe crocuses are beautiful and what a lovely way to highlight this awful disease.
ReplyDeleteIt is isn't it? The colour is so bright and cheerful and full of hope:)
DeleteOh my, your pictures are fab!
ReplyDeletexxx
Thanks, Michela:)
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