Page 9 - Oundle Life October 2022

BLOOMIN’
GREAT
Planters are everywhere...
Blooming Oundle is only
in its second year, but its
effects are clear for all to
see. Planters and flowers
are dotted around
Oundle Market Place,
under the Welcome to
Oundle signs, the War
Memorial, coop garden and other places, adding colour and beauty to the town. Litter is picked and recycled, graffiti removed,
and bus stops and benches are cleaner. Blooming Oundle has also been involved with community projects at Oundle Primary School garden, Oundle Library, Fletton Field and has updated the Oundle Tree Trail.
In fact, everything done by the team of volunteers ticks the boxes required by the
Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in
Bloom competition, the UK’s longest running gardening competition. Its aim is to enrich everyone’s lives through plants and make the UK a greener, sustainable, and more beautiful place to live. So, as Blooming Oundle is already doing the stuff that matters it may enter Oundle into the competition if it can get enough volunteers and funding.
The RHS on Twitter - “Flowers can’t solve all problems but they’re a great start” - anon. What would Oundle have to do win an
award? Well, quite simply – more planting in more places and tackling areas that are a bit of an eyesore. Yes, the North Bridge entrance to Oundle does spring to mind, so some creativity will be needed! If we enter the competition
a massive effort would be needed from the
entire town, the businesses, the council, and community groups. Oundle has a natural historic beauty and we have made a good start with the barrels and planters but... it could look even better. Nearby towns like Oakham, Uppingham and Market Deeping are festooned with hanging baskets and planters and what a difference they make enhancing their towns appeal.
9