The judging of Bath for the South West in Bloom competition took place last week.
RHS judges Nick Jones and Rod Pooley | Photo courtesy of Bath in Bloom
Royal Horticultural Society judges Nick Jones and Rod Pooley were hosted by the Bath in Bloom group of volunteers as they assessed the city’s entry.
Undaunted by the poor weather, their tour began at the Botanic Gardens where they met volunteers from Bath WI, alongside the volunteer gardeners.
The judges then visited Bath Organic Group where they were introduced to the volunteers there.
The whistle-stop tour then took them to the Urban Garden Centre where they learned about the Community Interest Company and their work improving lives through horticulture.
After making their way through Royal Victoria Park, past the war memorial and Harry Patch planter, the judges walked along Milsom Street past the floral displays and pocket planters.
A visit to Bathwick St Mary Church Primary School followed, where the judges engaged with pupils and teachers. They then went to Sydney Gardens to view the new playground and sustainable planting.
A short visit to the Guildhall was next, where the judges learned about Bath in Bloom’s interaction with local schools and their horticultural and environmental endeavours.
They met the chief executive of Bath BID (Business Improvement District) before moving on to Bath Abbey.
After passing through the floral displays in SouthGate and viewing the hanging baskets maintained by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s parks department, they moved on to see the raised floral beds in Manvers Street, one of several areas planted and maintained by Bath in Bloom volunteers.
A visit to the Terrace Walk fountain tended by local volunteers, and Orange Grove with its sustainable planting, preceded the judges’ visit to Parade Gardens.
A tour of the display created by head gardener Dave Logan and his team was enjoyed by the judges.
The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Michelle O’Doherty, also unveiled a new sculpture in the gardens.
Created by local artisan James Jones, it was commissioned by Bath in Bloom to mark 60 years of the city’s entry into the national competition and was sponsored by Hallmark’s Midford Manor Care Home.
A buffet lunch in the Parade Garden Colonnades, hosted by Bath in Bloom, rounded off the day and the results of the judging are now awaited.
