The flowerbed on the Mound has been planted with the Fairtrade logo to celebrate Edinburgh's 5 years as a Fairtrade City.
The logo, planted by Council gardeners, includes a rare black grass that was specially grown by the Council's parks department for the display. Specifically, the unique display comprises of 600 Ageratum houstonianum ' Blue Blazer', 300 Ophiopogen planiscapus 'Ebony Knight' and 300 Tagetes Zenith 'lemon'.
The logo will remain in place until September.
Fairtrade is a growing international movement to guarantee that producers in poor countries receive a fair price for their goods. It means that workers benefit from a decent wage and working conditions and that the price they receive for their goods reflects the true cost of production.
Edinburgh was awarded Fairtrade status in 2004, the same year as Dundee and Aberdeen, 2 years before Glasgow and 4 years before London.
"Edinburgh can be proud of a valuable contribution to fair trade,"
said Lord Provost George Grubb. "This wonderful flowerbed gives us an
opportunity, not only to celebrate success, but to continue to promote
the global benefits of fair trade and to remind us of the difference
fair trade makes to producers world wide."
This year is also marks the first time that Fairtrade will appear at the Edinburgh Fringe. Exhibitors will be displaying fair trade products
from across the globe at the city's Grassmarket from Friday 28 to
Monday 31 August.
The free event will be housed in a giant open-sided marquee just off the Royal Mile with views of Edinburgh Castle, a few minutes walk from the Fairtrade logo flower display.
Visitors to the Grassmarket event will find home wares, fashion, jewellery, handbags, food and drink, books, music and more.
There will also be world music, kids' activities, free samples and tastings.
Fairtrade on the Fringe
Edinburgh Grassmarket
Friday 28 to Monday 31 August 2009
10am–6pm