HELPING hands with green fingers are wanted to back Rugby’s bid for Britain in Bloom glory.
Rugby secured a prestigious place in the national finals after striking gold at the 2018 Heart of England in Bloom Awards – winning the small city category and crowned overall winner.
And now the borough knows that it will be competing against Bury, Derry, Harrogate, Kirkaldy and Loughborough in the finals.
This year’s contest is themed around a ‘year of green action’, promoting opportunities for residents to get active in green spaces and enjoy their local environment.
The first formal opportunity to get involved is to take part in the Great British Spring Clean, which takes place between March 22 and April 23. Community groups, businesses, organisations and individuals can commit to litter pick a space near them, using equipment provided by Rugby Borough Council.
Later in the year applications for the Rugby in Bloom contest will open, with categories for gardeners of all ages and experience.
Rugby Borough Council’s environment and public realms spokeswoman Coun Lisa Parker said: “Rugby in Bloom brings our communities together to make the borough a brighter, better place.
“And with hundreds of volunteers contributing thousands of hours of their time last year alone, it’s about much more than floral displays.
“With our place in the finals of Britain in Bloom, I’d encourage everyone to play a part in making the borough look blooming marvellous.”
Anyone interested in sponsoring floral displays in the borough or taking part in the Great British Spring Clean can email [email protected] or call Rugby Borough Council’s parks and grounds team on (01788) 533706.
Now in its 55th year, the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) 2019 Britain in Bloom competition will see 71 finalists compete across 12 categories.
Judges will visit the finalists during judging fortnight, which starts on July 29. The winners of each category and finalists’ medals – ranging from Gold to Bronze – will be announced in October.
Visit www.rhs.org.uk/communities/find-a-group-search-form for more information about RHS Britain in Bloom, or to search for community gardening groups.
