Bulbs for Life

The bulbs for Life field with yellow, white and purple crocus' poking through the grass.

The Bulbs for Lives area is situated between the Human Nature Garden and the pond. It was created in 2022 through a community project involving the Samaritans of Horsham and Crawley, Horsham District Council, and Friends of Horsham Park. More than 150 volunteers planted 6,221 crocus bulbs and 6,221 narcissus bulbs — a number chosen to represent the lives lost to suicide in the UK in 2021.

At the centre of the space are two handcrafted Reflection Benches made from Sussex oak. They sit within a small grove of three Himalayan birch trees (Betula utilis ‘Jacquemontii’), underplanted with black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’) and snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis), donated and maintained by local partners.

Persistent rain left one section of the planting area waterlogged, resulting in the loss of some bulbs. These were replaced in November 2025 and replanted on the drier side of the site, where conditions are better suited to long‑term growth.

In the spring, a temporary fence made of willow rods is placed around the area by the Friends of Horsham Park to discourage people from walking over the area as the bulbs emerge.

The area is designed as a quiet place to pause, reflect, and enjoy the seasonal display of bulbs. Each bench includes a small plaque with Samaritans contact details , offering a reminder that confidential support is always available.