RHS Britain In Bloom
RHS Britain In Bloom is the largest horticultural campaign in the UK and is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024 with a theme of ‘Friendship’.
Run by the RHS since 2002, more than 3,000 groups participate each year and are assessed for their achievements in three core pillars: Horticultural Excellence, Environmental Responsibility and Community Participation. Benefits include cleaner, greener and safer surroundings, a growing sense of community pride, increased commercial enterprise and tourism.
It is a popular campaign, estimated to involve more than 200,000 volunteers in cleaning up and greening up their local area. Floral displays play an important part in the contest, but the “Bloom” title is now, perhaps, misleading: in recent years the competition has increasingly assessed how all sectors of the local community are managing their local environment.
Altrincham is classed as a ‘Large Town’ and competes against others of similar size in the North West. It has been nominated to represent the region twice in the Britain In Bloom finals. In 2017, the group won a Silver Gilt award. They are obviously hoping for Gold in 2024!
Judging
Horticultural Achievement attracts 40% of the overall marks we can attain. The judges are looking at the choice and quality of plants, special features, innovation, design and colour. They also look at how sustainable our planting is and how we cultivate and maintain plant life. The whole town is considered – from hanging baskets to town centre planters, railing and lamp post planters, window boxes and doorway pots. Nowhere is ignored – from residential areas to the grounds of public buildings like schools and churches, the exterior of commercial premises, and of course public green spaces, parks and verges.
Environmental Responsibility is also assessed and 30% of the overall marks can be awarded in this category. This means everything which affects the cleanliness of our streets and public spaces from natural debris, to litter, dog mess and graffiti and how we manage resources and reduce waste. How things look is also considered – from signage to art, landscaping and protecting our built heritage. Also assessed is the way we support wildlife and encourage biodiversity including our town’s natural heritage.
Community Participation also attracts 30% of the overall marks. The judges look at development, continuity, education, collaboration, communication, publicity, fundraising and the sustainability of our project. They also assess year-round activity and future planning.
