Guildford in Bloom Competition blasts off for 2019
Guildford in Bloom, the borough’s favourite horticultural celebration is open for entries. The free competition is open to everyone, of all ages, living and working in Guildford and closes on 16 June. This year we showcase a lunar theme to mark the 50th Anniversary of the first Moon landing and launch a new category: ‘Best Site for Nature Conservation’.
The annual initiative brings together community groups, businesses, schools and residents to promote creative plant cultivation to naturally enhance the borough. Now in its 38th year, it champions health, well-being and collaboration while blending the Council’s corporate priorities of community, place making and innovation.
The nine categories are:
1. Best Front Garden
2. Best Allotment and Vegetable/Kitchen Gardens
3. Best Garden for Wildlife
4. Best Site for Nature Conservation
5. Best Pub in Bloom
6. Best Container Garden
7. Best Neighbourhood Project
8. Student Garden Showcase
9. Best School in Bloom*
Peter O’Connell, Director of Environment explains: ‘As always, it doesn’t matter how big or small your garden is or how perfectly maintained or wild it is. Guildford in Bloom is focussed on working together and taking part in a fun, healthy activity. We’re delighted to launch our new category for 2019, ‘Best site for Nature Conservation’, which is suited to larger areas of private or public land where the aim is to protect and conserve wildlife habitats and species population.’
He adds: ‘Entrants can choose to theme their gardens, allotments or garden projects. This year we are celebrating the ‘50th Anniversary of the first Moon landing’ and the theme for schools is ‘the colours of summer’. With kind thanks to our premium sponsors Chapter Financial and Allianz.’
We continue to promote entries from young gardeners. ‘Student Garden Showcase’ is open to all senior school, further and higher education students. The garden, allotment or horticultural project can be located on the educational premises or elsewhere in the borough of Guildford. Students are encouraged to design, create and maintain a garden, allotment/vegetable plot or project of their choice. Judges will be looking for good design, plant quality, diversity, sustainability, organic management and overall impression and extra points will be awarded for innovative design or feature.
How to enter:
– Choose a category – you can enter only one category per site/address
– Complete the online form at www.guildford.gov.uk/guildfordinbloom
– Application forms can also be collected from the Tourist Information Office in Guildford High Street
– Post entries to Guildford Borough Council, Parks & Leisure Services, Stoke Park Nursery, Nightingale Road, Guildford GU1 1ER
– Or email to parks@guildford.gov.uk
*Best School in Bloom launched earlier in the year and closes on 24 May 2019.