The organisers of the Shrewsbury in Bloom campaign are making final preparations ahead of the first visit by judges next week.
A panel of experts will be visiting for the first of two judging days in the regional Heart of England competition on July 22 when the town’s many floral displays will be moderated against exacting criteria. They will return on July 30 for the national heats.
This year Shrewsbury is also in the running for the RHS Champion of Champions accolade – the ultimate Britain in Bloom award.
The town, which won the best small city award at last year’s finals, is up against Ahoghill from Ulster, the City of London, Glenrothes in Scotland and Woolton in Liverpool.
The Shrewsbury in Bloom committee will be pulling out all the stops to ensure Shropshire’s county “Town of Flowers” lives up to its mantle. Judges will be treated to a whistle-stop tour which will showcase some of the town’s 300,000 colourful blooms, before culminating at the show-stopping Dingle gardens.
Jackie Brennand, Chairman of the Shrewsbury in Bloom committee said: “We are so proud to be competing for the ultimate Britain in Bloom accolade of Champion of Champions, especially during this very special year celebrating 50 years of the RHS Britain in Bloom Campaign.
“Our floral displays aren’t just a show for judging days, we strive to make sure Shrewsbury is at its blooming best all year round – for residents and visitors alike. So many people work tirelessly to ensure our town upholds its mantle of “Town of Flowers” and to achieve the ultimate Bloom title would be a testament to everyone involved. So come on Shrewsbury, let’s grow for Gold!”
Shrewsbury’s floral displays are tended to by Shrewsbury Town Council’s grounds maintenance team. All plants are grown at the council’s own greenhouses from seeds and plugs, with more than 30,000 blooms alone apportioned for Shrewsbury’s 365-days-a- year show garden in the Dingle.