The annual Cumbria in Bloom competition is now open to all gardeners with the launch of the 2022 event – and this year there is a special royal award.
From schoolchildren to international businesses based in Cumbria, the invitation to take part in the competition is as wide as the categories which open this week.
And to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee the Cumbria in Bloom Management Committee, have introduced a Special Category entry for this year.
President of Cumbria in Bloom, Colin Cheyne said: “All Cumbria in Bloom competition entrants across all entry categories, will qualify to enter a Special Jubilee Feature Award.
“The Queen’s Jubilee Feature can be anything in your community that celebrates the Queen’s 70 years as our monarch.
“For example, it could be a small water feature; a specially developed flower bed; a creature friendly habitat; a woodland development; or even a display of outdoor art – be as creative and innovative as you like.
“Judges will assess the special feature you have entered during their visit to your main competition/assessment entry: Pride in Your Community, Schools, Tourism and RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood.
“To enter the Jubilee Feature you must have entered one or other of the above categories. When selecting a winner, they will consider the originality of ideas, impact on the local community, and the innovative use of resources and materials.”
Jubilee certificates of achievement will be awarded to the most impressive entry in each competition/assessment category. A special Cumbria in Bloom recognition award will be made to an overall winner across all entrants.
This year Cumbria in Bloom will continue the additional categories added in 2021. Allotments, Biodiversity and Woodland Copse awards reflect the importance the RHS and Cumbria in Bloom place on protecting and nurturing our environment and growing our own food.
Colin added: “Over the past few years, we have seen much interest in local communities establishing more allotments to respond to greater demand, with an increased focus on health and well-being, and healthier eating with ‘the grow your own theme’ has triggered a keen interest.”
While Cumbria in Bloom is always keen to hear any special stories, the specific awards for Stories and Projects will be discontinued. There will however be a Photographic Competition on the theme of Biodiversity in Your Garden. This year, Cumbria has three entries into the RHS Britain in Bloom UK Finals – Irthington Village, Workington as a large town and Ulverston Business Improvement District.
Chair of Cumbria in Bloom, Ronnie Auld said: “As we look forward to 2022 it is hoped that Cumbria in Bloom might see a return to some normality with a full range of on-site judged competitions.
“This is a very special year with the Jubilee celebrations, and we hope the gardens and community spaces across the county will add to making this a blooming success.”
Full details of all the categories and entry forms are now available from the Cumbria in Bloom website https://cumbria-in-bloom.org.uk/
