Bracknell in Bloom
Britain in Bloom was launched in 1964 by the British Tourist Board. In 2001 the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) became the organising body. RHS Britain in Bloom has grown into the UK’s largest community gardening campaign, involving more than 300,000 people. As part of RHS Britain in Bloom – and its sister campaign, RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood – volunteers in cities, towns, villages, urban communities and neighbourhoods work together to improve their local environment, using gardening as a tool.
Bracknell in Bloom was launched after the 2002 floral displays in the town centre, planted to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. These displays generated great local civic pride and prompted overwhelming credit and positive media coverage.
Bracknell in Bloom first entered Thames and Chilterns in Bloom, a regional round of RHS Britain in Bloom, in 2003. Groups that do well regionally may then be selected to take part in the RHS Britain in Bloom UK Finals. From the 1,600 communities that take part in the regional campaigns, roughly 80 are selected to go into the annual UK Finals. Bracknell has taken part in the UK Finals three times, in 2004, 2013 and 2014. Read more about Bracknell in Bloom’s Bloom-ing History.
Judging takes place in July each year. The judges are given a 15 minute presentation which gives an overview of the year-round work done under the Bracknell in Bloom umbrella. The judges are then taken on a three hour tour of the town and surrounding area. Three core areas are marked: horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.
The Bracknell in Bloom committee devises the judging route and organises the judging day. The Committee also organises events supporting Bracknell’s entry to RHS Britain in Bloom and promotes horticulture in Bracknell. The Committee is a partnership of organisations including: – Bracknell Town Council, Parks & Countryside Bracknell Forest Council, Bracknell Forest Homes, Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, Bracknell Horticultural Association, The Bracknell Forest Society and Oaktree Garden Centre & Nursery.
Bracknell in Bloom relies on sponsors to finance all its work. Read more about Bracknell in Bloom’s sponsors and supporters.
For the latest news about Bracknell in Bloom please click here or visit Bracknell in Bloom’s Facebook page, where you will also find details about local horticultural events and gardening tips.