RHS judges visited Wilmslow this week to assess the town's entry into this year's North West In Bloom competition.
Peter Wiseman and John Bilsborough were in town on Wednesday, 10th July, to rate Wilmslow against other like sized towns and criteria such as design, colour and presentation. As horticulture forms only part of the criteria, judges were also looking at environmental responsibilities such as recycling, litter and graffiti as well as community participation.
The regional judges were taken on a two and a half hour tour of the town led by Helen Yates, founder of Incredible Edible Wilmslow, and town councillor Ellie Brooks.
They started at Dean Oaks Primary School where they met with teachers, children and parents to see what they have been growing at the school, as well as what they had learned during the process.
The judges were then taken to Shentons Farm Shop, Memorial Gardens, Wilmslow Station and The Carrs, finishing off outside Wilmslow library where tea and handmade cakes were served.
Cllr Ellie Brooks thanked the RHS judges for taking the time to visit Wilmslow.
She said "In the past three years the community spirit of Wilmslow has increased with the start of Wilmslow Town Council, the Business Group and Incredible Edible all investing in the development of the town. Entering the In Bloom has brought us all together with a common goal.
"Conservation at Friends of the Carrs and the SSSI Lindow help to keep our green areas green. Rotary scarecrows add fun to the town centre and fit snuggly with the planting initiatives and businesses have done a marvellous job lifting Wilmslow's personality and there's a real sense of unity across the town.
"All this has been achieved in the main by the wonderful volunteers."
On route the judges passed many of the 34 businesses that have taken part this year, as well as residential areas, the Incredible Edible plots, planters provided by Wilmslow Town Council and many of the fantastic straw creations taking part in the Wilmslow Scarecrow Festival.
Whilst the judges kept their views to themselves, John Bilsborough did comment that he was impressed with the extra colour provided by the Town Council planters working together with the edible plots.
Helen Yates of Incredible Edible said "In less than three years we have achieved a lot and it is so nice to be able to show it off and be proud of it."
Keith Carter-Harris added "The support network has been terrific from local businesses, Wilmslow Town Council, Cheshire East Council and volunteers."
Wilmslow received a highly commended Silver award for their first entry into the competition last year, and this time they are hoping to go one better.
The awards are expected to be announced in October.
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