Every spring, the University of Leeds is transformed into a vibrant sea of colour as thousands of bulbs burst into bloom, a much-anticipated sign that the season has arrived. However, behind this stunning display lies a story of community involvement, digital innovation, and thoughtful planning, all brought to life through a creative partnership with Dutch bulb expert JUB Holland.
JUB Holland, renowned for its expertise in ornamental bulb cultivation and sustainable landscaping, has developed a powerful digital tool that is revolutionising public planting projects across Europe. The JUB Flower Designer App allows teams to virtually plan and preview how a space will look in full bloom using real photographs of the location. This smart, visual approach combines precision planting, including for mechanical planting schemes, with greater community engagement, making it ideal for parks, verges, and university campuses.
Community-Led Design in Practice
One of the most striking examples of this approach in the UK is at the University of Leeds. Here, the Grounds & Gardens team has worked closely with JUB Holland to plant thousands of flower bulbs annually. In 2024, the university took a significant step forward by inviting students and staff to vote on their favourite bulb mix for prominent sites on the Western Campus. Using the Flower Designer App, the community could see how each mix would look in its intended setting, allowing them to cast an informed vote based not just on names or colours, but on a clear visual impression of the end result.
“It’s about giving people a voice in how their shared space looks and feels,” says Sean Craven, External Spaces Manager at the University of Leeds. “The campus is for everyone, and with the Flower Designer App, we’ve been able to offer a real sense of ownership. Staff and students could see the mixes, imagine the space in spring, and help shape it together. That’s a big shift from how things are usually done.”
Smart, Visual and Efficient Planning
The app’s process is remarkably intuitive: upload a photo of the planting area, define the space, choose a bulb mix or specific varieties, and the app generates a lifelike preview of the spring display. It is not just a digital gimmick—it is a smart planning tool that has already been used in various mechanical planting projects across the UK. Leeds is among several forward-thinking institutions embracing the app to streamline design decisions and foster deeper involvement from the public.
Job van Eeden, Sales Manager UK at JUB Holland, explains: “At JUB, we’ve always been about more than just bulbs—we’re about creating lasting, meaningful landscapes. The Flower Designer App helps us bring that vision to life in a very real way. Whether we are working with a council, a university, or a park manager, the app allows them to ‘see’ the spring before a single bulb goes in the ground. That is incredibly powerful—and it makes decision-making easier, faster, and more inclusive. This tool is especially useful for mechanical planting projects, where precise planning and timing are key.”
Green Vision for a Vibrant Campus
Beyond aesthetics, the impact is tangible. The collaborative process at Leeds has encouraged a sense of pride in place, while the final results have boosted biodiversity. From pollinator-friendly mixtures to native hedgerows and ‘no mow’ zones, the university’s landscape strategy is increasingly aligned with ecological goals. The flower bulb displays in particular have become a vibrant expression of this commitment to sustainable, inclusive green space.
With its commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, the University of Leeds is using its landscape not just to impress, but to inform and inspire. Tools like the Flower Designer App have proven to be valuable assets in turning ideas into well-executed, community-backed planting schemes.
