WITH just ten days to go until rhinos start charging on the streets of Southampton – even the roundabouts are getting involved.

But there are no stampedes allowed on this Hampshire roundabout after thousands of flowers were planted in the shape of the Go! Rhinos logo to celebrate the start of the public art extravaganza.

More than 3,600 plants and flowers were planted on the Bar End roundabout, one of the busiest in Winchester, to ensure everyone knows to keep an eye out for the lifesized sculptures when heading to Southampton.

The ten-week trail through the city goes live on July 13, creating a unique day out for families and with it promising a huge boost to the local economy.

Councillor Jan Warwick, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and environment, said “Winchester City Council is thrilled to support Marwell’s Go! Rhinos appeal by providing this wonderful floral display on this important gateway to the City.”

The beds took three months for Kernock Park Plants to grow and form the design. Once ready, the completed bed was broken down into ‘tiles’, which was then laid out onto the raised bed to form the final design, which will last until October.

Kirstie Mathieson, Go! Rhinos project manager, added: “The excitement is really growing around Go! Rhinos now and this flower bed is more proof of that.

“The flower design is stunning and reflects the amazing individual artwork on all the Rhinos in the trail.”

When the trail ends, the sculptures will be auctioned off, with the proceeds being split between Marwell’s rhino conservation work, the Rose Road Association and Wessex Heartbeat’s HIGH 5 Appeal.