Final preparations are underway this week before Shrewsbury welcomes the Heart of England in Bloom judges on Thursday, when they will be judging the town’s floral excellence against exacting criteria.
Shrewsbury Town Council is the driving force behind the town’s floral displays, and is supported by members of the Shrewsbury in Bloom committee, Shropshire Council and volunteers across the town.
This year the town is entering the Small City category and will be judged on the ‘three pillars of Bloom’ – horticultural excellence, environmental responsibility and community participation.
The Town Council’s planting schemes have been completed, and the town is starting to look more colourful with a vast array of hanging baskets, planters and floral beds. The award-winning Dingle gardens have more than 30,000 plants in the formal flower beds.
Town Clerk, Helen Ball said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Heart of England in Bloom judges to Shrewsbury in what has been a very difficult summer for all gardeners across the country. I am proud of the work our staff and volunteers have undertaken to ensure that the town is looking its best”.
Chairman of Shrewsbury in Bloom, Councillor Keith Roberts, added: “We’re proud to be in the Heart of England competition once again, and we are eager to display our wonderful town to the judges this week. The conditions have been exceptionally difficult this year, but everyone has worked so hard to ensure the town looks its best and I would like to thank everyone for their continued support to make Shrewsbury the great place it is.”
The results for the regional competition will be announced in September.