Solihull in Bloom
Solihull annually enters the largest horticultural campaign in Europe Britain 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 £1000 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. Please get in touch and let us know of any projects or work you are doing to help brighten up and improve Solihull.
Solihull in Bloom Launch 2010
2010 is an exciting year for Solihull in Bloom. Solihull is representing Heart of England in the RHS Britain in Bloom Finals!
Our bloom year got off to an excellent start with the launch on Saturday 17th March in Mell Square. The unpredictable British weather gave us rain and drizzle but it did not dampen the spirits and smiles of Solihull’s people!
Combining Bloom 2010 with the United Nations International Year of Biodiversity, the event focused on nature, wildlife and the environment through a series of activities, workshops and stalls.
Taking centre stage was the Bloom stand and the Bloom Community Mosaic Project. Free packets of cornflower seeds were being handed out, along with entry forms for the garden competition.
The Bloom Community Mosaic Project is to produce a 6ft mosaic pyramid. The pyramid will have four sides and the design will colourfully depict the four seasons, four elements and biodiversity. The design workshops took place during February with pupils from Monkspath Junior and Infant School and students from Newlands Bishop Farm. During the launch event members of the public, children, even the Mayor were encouraged to take part and learn how to make a mosaic and contribute to this beautiful project.
The other activities included:
- RSPB - badge making activity
- Warwickshire Wildlife Trust - sunflower seed planting/ Pledge one thing for biodiversity
- Solihull MBC Park Rangers - bird box making
- Solihull MBC Eco Schools - plastic bottle bug/flower making
- SMBC Nature Reserve Officer - nature detectives
- Face Painting - flowers & wildlife
- Colouring - flowers & wildlife pictures
Special guests who supported the launch included The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Norman Davies and sponsors of the Solihull Garden Competition: Julian Ranson, Notcutts Garden Centre, Sharon Roberts, Zodiac Design Consultancy.
This year’s route
Once again we will have 3.5 hours to take the 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 stopping off in some of the boroughs beautiful parks.
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
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 6546
Email: solbloom@solihull.gov.uk