Solihull in Bloom
Every year Solihull enters the largest horticultural campaign in Europe, Britain in Bloom.
The competition is administered by the Royal Horticultural Society on a national level. On a regional level the Heart of England Tourist Board organises and runs the Heart of England in Bloom competition which sees individual streets, villages, towns and cities compete for a bronze, silver or gold standard for their local area. Heart of England in Bloom has 10 entry categories of which Solihull enters the city category (population 150,001+).
The whole community is encouraged to take part and support our entry into the competition, by tending to their gardens, becoming involved in conservation projects and identifying areas which need improvements for a variety of reasons including litter, weeds or graffiti.
There are plenty of fun elements to get involved in, including the Solihull Garden Competition, with over £1500 of prizes to be won. You don’t have to be an expert gardener, just have a go!
With the help and enthusiasm of local businesses, schools, community groups, sponsors and individuals we are making a real difference to our local neighbourhood. Do get in touch and let us know of any projects or work you do in the community to help brighten up and improve Solihull, it would be great to hear from you.
2010 Bloom Success
2010 was a great success and a massive ‘thank you’ for all the enthusiasm and involvement from community groups, local businesses, sponsors, schools, individuals and volunteers. The standards set by RHS Britain in Bloom and Heart of England in Bloom are extremely high, therefore obtaining an award is no plain sailing. But ‘well done’ everyone, we did it and achieved:
- Silver Gilt , City Category - RHS Britain in Bloom Award
- Conservation & Wildlife, Blythe Valley Park – RHS Britain in Bloom Discretionary Award
- Gold, City Category – Heart of England in Bloom Award
- Landscape, Blythe Valley Park – Heart of England in Bloom Discretionary Award
Solihull in Bloom Launch 2011
Conservation and Community
Following on from the excitement of 2010 and with equal amounts of enthusiasm, Solihull in Bloom have entered the Heart of England 2011 Regional competition. Our bloom year got off to a brilliant start with the launch taking place on Saturday 12th March at Notcutts Garden Centre.
The theme for this year’s Solihull in Bloom is ‘Conservation and Community’ and will encourage as many residents, local businesses, schools and volunteers to get involved in making the borough green and beautiful for themselves, visitors and everyone to enjoy. Continuing on the biodiversity theme from 2010 there will still be a strong link with biodiversity and conservation so we can help our wildlife thrive.
There were a variety of activities and promotions for everyone to enjoy at the launch :
- Solihull in Bloom badge making
- Solihull in Bloom colouring books
- Solihull in Bloom face painting
- Promotion of the Solihull in Bloom Garden Competition and entry forms
- Bird feeder making with the Solihull MBC Park Rangers
- Notcutts plant and flower displays
- Notcutts gardening advise
- Notcutts fridge magnet painting
Special guests who supported the launch included The Mayor, Councillor Ian Courts, Councillor Tim Hodgson and Solihull in Bloom Garden Competition sponsor, Notcutts Garden Centre General Manager, David Hitchman.
This year’s route
Once again we will have 3.5 hours to take the regional judges on a route through the borough, starting from the north and finishing in the south. We will be showcasing projects undertaken by the community, schools and residents and our parks and town centre.
Previous Years
Solihull has entered successfully since 1996, with the following awards:
First entry 1996 - Highly Commended Town Centre and Tidy Britain Award for litter Management
- 1997 - Highly commended award for whole of the Borough and trophy for community involvement to Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens.
- 1998 - Highly commended for the whole of the Borough and The Midland Bank Award for technical innovation for Chelmsley Basket Tree.
- 1999 - National Champions and Green Finger Challenge Award to Mill Lodge School
- 2000 - Entente Floral Gold Award and The Rugby Cement Trophy for community effort given to Hockley Heath Gardening Club.
- 2001 - Regional Winners, Large City Category - Gold Award
- 2002 - Regional Winners, Large City Category - Gold Award
- 2002 - Knowle Knot Garden received highly commended award
- 2003 - Regional Winners
- 2004 - Regional Winners, City Category - Silver Gilt Award
- 2005 - Regional Winners, City Category - Gold Award
- 2006 - Regional Winners, City Category - Gold Award
- 2007 - Regional winner, City category - Gold Award and nomination to the National Britain in Bloom competition
- 2008 - Regional winner, City category - Gold Award - National winner, City Category and Silver Gilt award
- 2009 - Regional winner, City category - Gold Award and nomination to the National Britain in Bloom competition
- 2010 - Regional winner, City category – Gold Award - National winner, City Category and Silver Gilt award
- 2010 – Blythe Valley Park received a discretionary award – RHS Britain in Bloom Conservation & Wildlife Award
With kind donations via sponsorship, expertise and support from the community, Solihull has been improving year on year. Take a look at some of the activities and events, which have benefited from Britain In Bloom work.
Contact Details
Should you like further information on Britain in Bloom, the Solihull in Bloom competition or how you can help or make suggestions, please contact the Events and Marketing Team
Tel: 0121 704 8752
Email: solbloom@solihull.gov.uk