Solihull in Bloom judging day, Monday 23 July 2012
From Press office on 16 July 2012
It’s Solihull’s moment to shine for a second time this month, when the regional Heart of England in Bloom judges visit the borough on Monday 23 July.
The judges’ visit to Solihull is their annual trip to assess local standards of horticulture, cleanliness and community involvement.
Solihull has been entering the campaign for over 15 years and has won gold awards on a regular basis, as well as being given much praise for its environment on a regional level.
The borough has also won two national awards, beating tough competition like Kensington and Chelsea.
This year, the judges start their tour at Blythe Valley Business Park to see the hidden gem that is the nature reserve behind all the office buildings. Then they travel on to see the volunteers at work in Hockley Heath who have been planting up the village and making it colourful and looked after for many years.
Next is a visit to Dorridge and the local school, before moving to Malvern Park to see the Jubilee and Olympic themed carpet bed and the new jubilee shields on the gates.
A stop at the town centre, followed by a trip to Bluebell community garden and Arden Hall in Castle Bromwich will finish the day, rounding off more than four hours of judging.
The judges are keen to meet local people and groups who have contributed to making the environment a more pleasant place for us all.
The annual garden competition, sponsored by Notcutts and the Solihull News, has proved an effective way of getting people involved as businesses, schools, residents and retailers or pubs and community groups can get involved.
There is also an art competition and design competition run every year, which appeals to different audiences and ages.
Solihull in Bloom will be changing from next year when Solihull Council will seek out local community groups to take on parts of the campaign, for example organising the garden competition or planning the judging route.
The results are announced in September at a special presentation attended by the Mayor.
Anyone who wants to volunteer some time for projects around the borough or get involved in the organising of Bloom in the future should contact Solihull Council on bewood@solihull.gov.uk or phone 0121 704 8752.
For enquiries from members of the press and media only, please contact Dave Musson on 0121 704 8172
Email: dmusson@solihull.gov.uk