Mid and East Antrim’s In Bloom Community Competitions to take root

To coincide with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) National Gardening Week, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has officially launched the 2022 Mid and East Antrim in Bloom Community Competitions and is encouraging green-fingered citizens to help make the Borough beautiful.

Mayor Councillor William McCaughey said: “Mid and East Antrim has won numerous horticultural awards thanks largely to our Mid and East Antrim In Bloom campaign, which encourages everyone who lives in the borough to think about their local environment and how flowers, plants, trees and gardens can enhance it for people and wildlife.

“As well as environmental benefits, gardening has many health and wellbeing benefits.Over the last couple of years we’ve come to rely on our gardens and green spaces more than ever. Many of us have rediscovered the importance of connecting with nature for our mental and physical wellbeing, resulting in millions more people rediscovering the uplifting power of plants and gardening.

“National Gardening Week is the UK’s biggest celebration of gardening and raises awareness of the difference that gardens and gardening can make to the lives of everyone. It aims to inspire more people, particularly the next generation of gardeners, to experience the joy of growing and creating beautiful green spaces. Council supports this RHS initiative annually with the launch of our own local competitions.”

A RHS spokesperson said: “Whether it’s sowing seeds together, taking a moment’s break to nurture your houseplants or kicking back with a cup of tea in your favourite green space, there’s so much joy to be found in gardening – and that’s exactly what we’re celebrating during this year’s National Gardening Week.

“Ever since the first celebration in 2012, the annual event has grown in popularity. Each year National Gardening Week sees thousands of people sharing their love of gardening.

“Take part in National Gardening Week by simply finding your own joy in gardening. Whether you’re taking a walk through your local green space, sowing seeds with the little ones in your life or getting on top of the pruning, capture your love of gardening with a photo and share it on social media using #RHSGardenDay.”

Cllr McCaughey concluded: “Our Mid and East Antrim In Bloom Community Competitions are a great chance for residents to be recognised and rewarded for their gardening skills. Applications are welcome from all residents of the Borough and entry is free of charge. Why not consider nominating a neighbour or friend you think deserves recognition?”

There are twelve community competitions in total with great prizes for winners and runners up in each.

General categories include Best Kept Front Garden, Best Kept Front Container Garden, Best Kept Allotment Garden, Best Kept Commercial Premises, Best Kept Community Planting Scheme, Gardening for Wildlife Award, Volunteer of the Year and Outstanding Contribution to In Bloom. There are also four competitions specifically for our young residents – Young Volunteer of the Year, Blooming Creative, Best School Gardening Project and the Tallest Sunflower Competition.

Closing date for the General Categories is 20 July.

Closing date for Tallest Sunflower, Volunteer of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year and Outstanding contribution to In Bloom is 1 September.

Closing date for Blooming Creative and Best School Gardening Project is 30 September.

Competition categories and details can be found at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/inbloom For more information contact inbloom@midandeastantrim.gov.uk