The committee at Bath in Bloom and its community volunteers are crossing their green fingers after the city has been judged for Britain in Bloom’s Southwest champion of champions category.
The Royal Horticultural Society judges spent four hours touring some of Bath’s key volunteer led gardening sites including the Bath Organic Group Allotments and the WI Garden in the Botanic Gardens as well as parks, businesses and a school.
The judging finished at Parade Gardens where the Mayor of Bath Councillor Michelle O’Doherty, unveiled a sculpture crafted by local artist James Jones and sponsored by Hallmark Midford Manor.
The floral sculpture, made from three different types of steel will remain as a permanent feature for visitors.
The judging this year marks Britain in Bloom’s 60th anniversary and the gardening group are hoping for a 16th win, after winning the title when the competition was first launched in 1964.
Bath in Bloom Hon President Barry Cruse MBE said: “We have pulled out all the stops this year to try and win Britain in Bloom for the 16th time, and after being a finalist 25 times.
“This included going above and beyond our recent efforts and creating a sculpture for Parade Gardens which was kindly sponsored by Hallmark Midford Manor Care Home. The sculpture is an impressive work of art that will be enjoyed by everyone for many years to come.”
Customer Relationship Manager at Hallmark Midford Manor, Sally Paterson added:
“The gardens in Bath are stunning thanks to the hard work of Bath in Bloom and its community volunteers. We were delighted to sponsor the sculpture which is now a beautiful fixture in Bath’s famous Parade Gardens. We will be keeping everything crossed for a win and look forward to working with our residents to support Bath in Bloom’s future endeavours.”