We shared a particularly pleasant judging day in Babbacombe, which was captured in watercolour and ink by the talented Oliver Castledine, now Devon based but originally from Cheltenham.
Speaking of my home town, right on the fringe of the South West, Cheltenham had a very successful ‘In Bloom’ group for over 30 years, winning numerous first place national titles, our horticulture has always been harmonious. Maybe when I retire, I’ll rally the plant loving troops of Gloucestershire and set up where we left off?! Until then, I have to say Cricklade, just on our border with Wiltshire, really did impress and was one of two local areas, the other being Bath, where I headed with my clipboard and sunhat this summer.
‘Cricklade Bloomers’ have their own dedicated central space, council owned and rented by the group at a favourable fee. Celebrating 23 years, they have 36 regular members who meet on a Wednesday and Saturday morning. The town centre planters which they tend, not only look super, but have helped with road safety, acting as a barrier between the pavement and road, encouraging locals to cross at designated points. Churchyard beds have just been re-vamped and a wildflower garden is being trialled.
There is much interaction with the local community – students are offered work experience, local schools take part in bulb planting and the group spend time with scouts and cubs sharing skills and information. Wreath making workshops are held at Christmas and a yearly free home-made compost give-away is a date for plant lovers’ diaries! Water butts are an environmental must-have, and here, as in most projects I visit these days, they are much valued.
What really impressed, however, was the talented teamwork and warmth of the members. Everyone has their strengths and roles within the group, from Steve in his shed, all in order with spades gleaming, to Jill and Sandy stationed at the potting bench busy
Illustration courtesy of Oliver Castledine
artbyoliver.co.uk
propagating plants to sell, through to 90-year-old Meghan proving that age is no barrier to a bloomer!
Aside from the main competition, ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ is a unique RHS scheme for volunteer led community groups/ projects who are focussed on improving their local environment through community gardening, it’s such a celebratory scheme and the South West has approaching 400 IYN entries! From the smallest square of land where neighbours come together to catch up, to the community shop growing food for local foodbanks, to acres of natural landscape being managed by passionate individuals, thousands of volunteers have been recognised for their hours and hours of dedicated work.
Long may Britain in Bloom thrive, for it weaves through the heart of our horticultural land, holding the hands of those in need while bringing botanical benefits to all.
Catch Camilla alongside Alan Titchmash on ITV’s ‘Love Your Weekend’
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ENTERTAINMENT THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE
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