Page 36 - ALG Issue 1 2023

readers articles
For King and Countryside – Guildford in Bloom’s 2023 Competition Theme
Guildford in Bloom are determined to get wildlife areas in as many gardens as possible. They have brought wildlife into the main theme of their competition and are combining the theme of the Coronation of King Charles III with his love of wildlife conservation and nature to create the 2023 theme.
Guildford in Bloom is an independent Association that aims to promote horticultural excellence in gardens and allotments across the Borough of Guildford. Founded in 1981, the Association holds two competitions each year: Guildford Schools in Bloom and the Main Competition so that
the efforts of schools, individuals, community groups and businesses can be recognised, as they strive to make the area a beautiful place to live, work and visit.
Each year a theme is chosen, and entrants have the option of designing their plot or garden to the theme
and a separate award is given for the best one. In 2022, the theme was the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and, with the Coronation happening in 2023,
it was felt that just using that as the theme would create the same designs. With such a pressing need to help wildlife, from pollinators to mammals, and being aware of King Charles III’s lifelong interest in nature, it was felt that combining the two would make a real difference.
For plots and gardens to qualify to
enter a themed garden, they can create references to the Coronation using colour and design but then must include a minimum of five features from a list of ideas beneficial to wildlife that includes: a nectar café, bug hotel or log pile, Bee B&B, bird bath, pond, bird feeder, bird house, hedgehog house, be part of a hedgehog corridor or a wildflower area. Gardens that include all of these are encouraged to also enter the Wildlife Garden category. Additional points will also be awarded for peat-free plots
and gardens, and no single use plastic unless it is being recycled or reused.
Guildford in Bloom categories also include Best Allotment or Kitchen Garden, by far the largest category by number of entrants, Best Front Garden, Best Site for Nature Conservation, Best Container Garden, Best Neighbourhood Project, Young Gardener Award and of course Guildford Schools in Bloom.
The competition opens for entrants in February 2023 with a deadline in June, followed by three weeks of judging and culminating in an awards ceremony in September.
The Guildford in Bloom team noticed an increase in the number of entries dedicated to wildlife during lockdown, but this number has dropped since, and they feel that, by including specific elements to the theme, this can help to
make a real and long-lasting difference. The overall aim is to create areas beneficial to wildlife in lots of plots and gardens and the ambition is that these areas are maintained in future years. Information will be provided on how to create the features required on their website and social media.
Full details of the competition will be featured on www.guildfordinbloom. com in February and to find
out more you can email info@guildfordinbloom.com
36 Allotment and Leisure Gardener