Bath has scooped a Gold award in the BID category and the Abbis Cup for best municipal horticultural display for the Jane Austen 3D bed in Parade Gardens in this year’s South West in Bloom competition.
The Bath in Bloom committee co-ordinates the city’s application and judging route every year with Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Parks Department and the Bath BID who work to furnish the city with the best floral displays possible.
Talking about the win, a spokesperson for B&NES Council said: “The city has seen a massive transformation this past year through the investment of valued retail partners such as Southgate and Kingsmead Square without overlooking the continued support of the much valued independent sector such as Milsom Place and Walcot Street who are of immense value in retaining our legacy as a beautiful and vibrant ‘floral city’.”
The BID completed the picture this year with a full suite of planters through Milsom Street and Upper Borough Walls.
The use of perennial plantings on Orange Grove were acknowledged as were the use of water capturing reservoirs in the floral containers that have greatly improved the sustainability of the city’s entry.
The jewel of the crown however was the Jane Austen bed at the Parade Gardens, commemorating the 200th anniversary of her death this year. The bed shows a book with the statement ‘Oh! Who can ever be tired of Bath?’ from Northanger Abbey complete with a copper quill and ink pot.
The Council received sponsorship from Wessex Water, Rotork, Minuteman Press, Cross manufacturing, Ajuga Holdings, Mallory Jewellers and The Charter Trustees whose support helped to make Bath golden this year.
B&NES Council says it will continue to require more sponsors if they are to maintain their nationally acclaimed standing. If you are interested, contact the Bath in Bloom Committee on 01225 837885.