main content Judging for Britain in Bloom Competition

Judges' from the national Britain in Bloom Competition visited Bromley last week to assess the borough. The invitation to the prestigious national competition follows last year’s success in London in Bloom. The Royal Horticultural Society competition encourages communities to make positive and lasting improvements to local areas for the benefit of local people.

"We know that so many people get pleasure out of seeing the flowers and displays across the borough. A big thank you to the many Bromley residents, gardeners, businesses, Friends groups and communities involved. Together, we can make a difference.” said Patrick Phillips, Head of Bromley's Parks and Recreation.

This year, Britain In Bloom judging looked at ‘traditional’ floral aspects such as flowerbeds, hanging baskets and how clean and tidy the Borough appears plus

• biodiversity (evidence of the use of native plants to encourage wildlife)
• sustainability (evidence of recycling, minimisation and water saving)
• communities working together for the good of the local area and enhancement of its environment.

The packed 4½ hour tour included visits to Bromley Town Centre parks (Queens Gardens, Church House Gardens) and some of the many suburban parks (Kelsey Park and Hollydale Open Space) in the borough. Countryside parks were on the list (High Elms, Jubilee Park, and Scadbury Park) as well as some of the many radiant high streets (Bromley, Beckenham, Farnborough and Chislehurst Parade). The dedicated ‘Friends of’ and community groups involved with many of the sites across the borough were on hand to answer the judges' questions about ‘their patch’. Businesses were also invited to make a contribution to the tour.

The public may have noticed banners promoting the campaign in various parts of the borough and many residents, businesses, Friends groups and communities have worked hand in hand to bring out and show off the best in Bromley and the pride they have for it.

The judges' also visited 2 outstanding schools - Unicorn Primary and Bishop Justus Secondary School and one of the best allotments at Dorset Road, which has won a National Green Pennant award, for the third year running.

The Britain In Bloom judges' now have a gruelling schedule of judging in 2 weeks, which started with the London Borough of Bromley then following on to Oxford, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Stockton-on-Tees, Aberdeen, Norton in Hales, Coniston, Tameside, Scarva, and ending at East Budleigh. The Award ceremony for Britain in Bloom is held in Perth, Scotland this year on the 21st September.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The Britain in Bloom visit follows judging for London in Bloom that took place last month.

The Green Pennant Award is a national award that recognises high quality green spaces in England and Wales that are managed by voluntary and community groups. The Award has an impressive and established background - it’s part of the Green Flag Award scheme, the national standard for quality parks and green spaces.

For media enquiries, please contact Amy Bevins, Strategy Development Officer, on 020 8313 4738, or email amy.bevins@bromley.gov.uk 

Further information is available at www.bromley.gov.uk