Judging underway in Wellington for this year's South West in Bloom competition

JUDGING of floral displays in Wellington started on Tuesday (July 7) for this year’s South West in Bloom competition as the town council mourned the recent death of Terry Porter, who was the 2025 judge.

Wellington has entered for the Portman Cup for towns with a population of between 16,000 and 19,000.

Last year, Wellington won ‘gold’ for the first time since 2008, just months after the council took ownership of the park and other green spaces from Somerset Council.

Bloom judge Jane Pagano was on Tuesday shown around by council open spaces manager Darren Hill and former mayor Cllr Janet Lloyd.

A council spokesperson said: “The visit represents the culmination of many months of dedication, planning, and partnership.

“Wellington’s parks, open spaces, floral displays, and community projects are a testament to the pride and care shown by residents, volunteers, local businesses, schools, and council staff all working together to create attractive, welcoming, and sustainable spaces for everybody to enjoy.

“We would like to express our sincere thanks to everybody who has played a part in these preparations.

“Their work and enthusiasm make a real and lasting difference in the landscape of the town.”

The spokesperson said South West in Bloom was about ‘so much more than beautiful flowers’.

They said: “It celebrates environmental stewardship, biodiversity, conservation, community involvement, and the creation of public spaces that improve wellbeing and enrich people’s quality of life.

“Judging provides an opportunity to celebrate everything that has been achieved together and to demonstrate our shared commitment to making our town an even better place to live, work, and visit.

“Whatever the outcome of the competition, we are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished through the dedication of so many.

“The improvements made will continue to benefit our community for many years to come, and that is an achievement in itself.”