ENTERTAINMENT THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE


THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE RHS BRITAIN IN BLOOM


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Britain is blooming and RHS judge and Television Horticulturist, Camilla Bassett-Smith, takes us behind the scenes of a much-loved botanical community competition.


RHS Britain in Bloom, over 60 years old and showing no signs of retirement, for this competition celebrates the best of the best of both flowers, foliage and green fingered folk, working together to enhance our lives.


Many may think this is based on who has the best hanging basket, whilst yes, this comes into play, it is so much more than that. What matters here are the people, the community, the environment, all of these things which we now recognise as being so vital to our well-being.


I started judging for RHS South West in Bloom in 2021, and having completed my half-decade in post, I can honestly say I’ve met some of the most inspiring and selfless souls to ever set foot on the soil! Yes, the groups make their areas look appealing for both people and pollinators, but it’s the stories of the volunteering homeless finding a home, the man who built his confidence in a bloomers group now attending university, the lady who left acres of land in The Gambia now spending day after day watering her local community garden which she calls “her sanctuary” ……I could go on.


It is thanks to horticultural legends Jon Wheatley and James Alexander-Sinclair that I find myself as part of the judging team visiting areas up and down the country as they come together every summer to showcase their floriferous finest. The main


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competition is held at both regional and national level and sees small villages, towns and cities demonstrate the use of gardening to transform their communities. Gold is the top accolade with the highest achievers then reaching UK Finals. Judging criteria are based on three categories – horticulture, environment and community and the best brilliantly combine all of these. I must mention here the brilliant Terry Porter, who sadly passed away in June, a linchpin of South West in Bloom who will be much missed.


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