Cumbria in Bloom judges are now off scouring the county for its blooming successes.
Officials have started their journey around Cumbria as part of their three weeks of judging the horticultural displays – starting with the youngest entries in the schools’ category.
Visits for the main Cumbria in Bloom competition for villages and towns start this week, July 6 in Dalston with judging taking place in Bootle, Irthington, Appleby, Kendal, Ulverston, Whitehaven, and Workington from July 11.
Cumbria in Bloom administrator, Liz Auld said: “The Cumbria in Bloom Judges are visiting schools gardening entries before the end of term and are delighted to be looking at all five categories in many cases – edible, decorative features, environmental, sensory/quiet and container.
“Many of the schools have also entered projects in the biodiversity, small woodland copse, and Queen’s Jubilee Special Category awards.”
In addition to the annual competition, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) It’s Your Neighbourhood assessments for 2022 are also now underway.
Liz added: “Tourism business entries have almost trebled since 2021, again very widespread around the County – a good sign that Cumbria is looking forward with great enthusiasm.
“Volunteer groups from around Cumbria have also registered for the Royal Horticultural Society It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards. These are assessed by Cumbria in Bloom judges on behalf of the RHS. There are so many varied group projects – from railway stations, café surrounds, museum gardens, woodland areas, church grounds, young people’s activities, allotments, street corners to park areas.”
Judging and assessment cover gardening and horticultural activity, consideration of the environment and community participation.
Liz added: “The main message is for everyone to have Pride in the Community and Environment. Time given voluntarily by all our Cumbrian judges is much appreciated – secretly they love doing it unless it is horizontal rain on the day.”
Judges will complete their visits to the gardens for the Cumbria in Bloom 2022 competition on July 16, before deciding on the winners.
