The annual Cumbria in Bloom competition is now open to all gardeners with the launch of the 2022 event – and this year there is a special ‘royal’ award
From school children to international businesses based in Cumbria, the invitation to take part in the competition is as wide as the categories which open this week. And to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee the Cumbria in Bloom Management Committee, have introduced a Special Category entry for this year.
President of Cumbria in Bloom, Colin Cheyne said: “All Cumbria in Bloom competition entrants across all entry categories, will qualify to enter a Special Jubilee Feature.
“The Queen’s Jubilee Feature can be anything in your community that celebrates the Queen’s 70 years as our monarch. For example, it could be a small water feature; a specially developed flower bed; a creature friendly habitat; a woodland development; or even a display of outdoor art – be as creative and innovative as you like.
“Judges will assess the Special Feature you have entered during their visit. When selecting a winner, they will consider the originality of ideas, impact on the local community, and the innovative use of resources and materials.”
Certificates of achievement will be awarded to the most impressive entry in each competition category – for example, all Schools, Pride in your Community, Tourism, and It’s Your Neighbourhood. A very special Cumbria in Bloom recognition award will be made to an overall winner across all entrants.
There are also new categories to add to the existing Pride in Your Community, Tourism Awards, School’s Gardening and RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood. Allotments, Biodiversity and Woodland Copse categories reflect the importance the RHS and Cumbria in Bloom place on protecting and nurturing our environment and growing our own food.
Colin added: “Over the past few years, we have seen much interest in local communities establishing more allotments to respond to greater demand, with an increased focus on health and well-being, and healthier eating with ‘the grow your own theme’ has triggered a keen interest.”
Cumbria in Bloom is also continuing the Projects, Stories and Photographs awards which were popular during 2020 when the traditional competition was unable to go ahead due to lockdown restriction. These categories are an opportunity for communities and individuals to share their growing projects through digital photography, websites and stories. And there is also the opportunity for winners of Cumbria in Bloom 2022 to go forward to represent Cumbria in the RHS Community Awards.
Chair of Cumbria in Bloom, Ronnie Auld said: “As we look forward to 2022 it is hoped that Cumbria in Bloom might see a return to some normality with a full range of on-site judged competitions.
“This is a very special year with the Jubilee celebrations and we hope the gardens and community spaces across the county will join us to make this a blooming success.”
Full details of all the categories and entry forms are now available from the Cumbria in Bloom website https://cumbria-in-bloom.org.uk
