IT’S manicured lawns, summer bedding plants, and hanging baskets at the ready as Wellington Town Council reintroduces the Wellington in Bloom garden competition.

The town council is hosting the garden competition after a 15-year absence and introducing new categories including best sustainable garden.

Residents who live within the Wellington and Rockwell Green boundary are invited to enter the town-wide competition either by entering their front or back gardens or both for judging.

Wellington Town Council’s open spaces manager Darren Hill, and Cllr Janet Lloyd will be judging all the entries just after the town itself is scrutinised for the Britain in Bloom and South West in Bloom competition.

Wellington is also entered into Britain in Bloom and South West in Bloom competitions this summer.
Wellington is also entered into Britain in Bloom and South West in Bloom competitions this summer. (Wellington Town Council)

Wellington won numerous silver and gold awards for many years running in the Britain in Bloom competition, even securing champions of the South West in 2005 under a team of dedicated volunteers.

Gardens will be marked out of 50 points with discretionary awards provided for Best Container, Best Hanging Basket, and Best Sustainable Garden. The winners of these discretionary awards as well as the overall winner will receive trophies and certificates.

Open spaces manager Darren Hill will be joined by Cllr Janet Lloyd to judge all residential and business garden entered by June 26.
Open spaces manager Darren Hill will be joined by Cllr Janet Lloyd to judge all residential and business garden entered by June 26. (Wellington Town Council)

Residential gardens are due to be judged on Saturday, July 11, between 10 am and 2 pm.

Open spaces manager at Wellington Town Council, Darren, said: “The reintroduction of the In Bloom Garden Competition by Wellington Town Council is a fantastic opportunity for residents to showcase their hard work, creativity, and horticultural skills.

“With a variety of categories to enter, the competition encourages gardeners of all ages and abilities to take pride in their outdoor spaces while helping to make the town an even more attractive place to live and visit.

“This year, the competition has also been opened up to local businesses, giving them the opportunity to contribute to the town's appearance and demonstrate their commitment to the local community.”

Letters have been delivered to a number of local businesses in the town centre but all businesses can enter. Whether the business garden is for public or employee use, the Town Council would love to see what you have.

Judging for gardens of business premises will take place on Friday, July 17, between 12 pm and 4 pm.

“This competition was always very well supported in the past,” added Darren. “I am pleased to see its return. I believe it helps foster a sense of pride not only in individual gardens and business premises but in the town as a whole.

“It is a wonderful way to celebrate the dedication and passion that so many people put into their gardens and displays throughout the year while enhancing the appearance of the community for residents and visitors alike.”

Residents are asked to be mindful of not entering a back garden for judging unless they will be available to allow entry on the day.

Any who decide to withdraw from the competition will need to notify the town council as soon as possible.

Deadline to enter the Wellington in Bloom garden competition is Friday, June 26.

Contact the town council to enter at [email protected]