Gardeners in Mole Valley in Surrey are being asked to ensure they plant flowers that will tie in with the colours and themes of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Mole Valley District Council sent residents emails that claimed the "London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games has tight control over how the games will look", reported local newspaper association Get Surrey.
Although the council insisted the correspondence was not prescriptive, reactions do not unanimously agree with this view.
Richard Roberts-Miller, chairman of the Mickleham Parish Council, expressed doubt this action is appropriate.
"Some people might wonder whether this should be high-up the council's agenda," he remarked.
Part of the email advised people to follow the shapes and patterns of design work promoting the event and rearrangement of existing hanging baskets was also encouraged.
Blue, green, orange and purple constitute part of the proposed colour schemes, in addition to the pink and yellow that feature on the official logo of the Games.
Despite the council's insistence this is not prescriptive, gardeners were instructed to use these colours equally and provided with a list of species names to consider growing.
Judy Kinloch, chairman of the Mickleham and Westhumble Horticultural Society, admitted a degree of reluctance on her part.
"I was not totally happy about telling people what colours they had to use," she told the press.
Some of the town will be passed through by athletes participating in the men's cycle race, which will come along the A25 through Westcott, Dorking High Street, Box Hill and Leatherhead.
Council chief executive Darren Mepham welcomed the proposals.
"Next year's races will provide us with a wonderful opportunity to promote our district, connect with our communities and support the local economy," he commented.
Flower-lovers from Brighton are experiencing similar town-planning problem that threatens opposing results, as the City in Bloom project to fund hanging baskets faces budget cuts.
