1 minute read
Show off your garden
by Graham Mitchell
Something slightly different in my gardening column this month. Are you proud of your garden? Are your hanging baskets “out of this world”? Do neighbours compliment your front garden? Do you enter Oswestry in Bloom?
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I have been entering my little Japanese inspired courtyard each year for about 12 years now. I have won certificates and a trophy a few times. It is a bit of fun and challenges you to try something different and make a nice garden into a great garden.
This year I have joined the committee of Oswestry in Bloom and so won’t be entering, but would love to encourage others to join in. Whether you have a tiny balcony or huge garden there is a category for you. As well as residential properties there are sections for commercial premises, pubs and schools. Judging will be done in July in two stages, with committee members making a shortlist for our expert judges to visit. It culminates with an awards ceremony in autumn.
Oswestry In Bloom’s philosophy is “Growing Together”, linking up with as many local horticultural groups as possible. We especially wish to encourage young people to join in by entering as a school group, family group, participating in our sunflower project or by making Bug Hotels. Our volunteers are already hard at work, you may have seen them in Cae Glas Park recently.
Oswestry enters the Heart of England in Bloom competition and last year, as well as winning gold in the large town category, we were awarded a place in this year’s national finals. All the work our residents and businesses do in making Oswestry beautiful improves our chances. The judges were especially impressed by the range of activities and support.
It is easy to join in, we have Facebook and Instagram pages and a brand-new website: oswestryinbloom. wordpress.com. You can also pick up application forms from the Guildhall or email a request for one to louisehumphreys@oswestry-tc.gov.uk. We’ll even leave some in a few shops around town. It is very easy to join in and “Grow Together” and maybe show-off a bit.
