For the third year in a row Wilmslow has entered the RHS In Bloom competition, and on Thursday morning David Bielawski and John Bilsborough from the RHS Horticultural Society came to judge Wilmslow on its appearance, community, cleanliness and sustainability. Judging by the appearance of the town and thanks to the hard work of so many individuals, this year the results are sure to be a huge success!
The primary task of the competition is to introduce as much colour and greenery as possible into the area, and following the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the RHS, Wilmslow took on their gold theme throughout the town. Margaret Turner, whose nursery supplied many of the plants to Wilmslow businesses, stated that the nursery is "out of stock of everything yellow!"
Helen Yates of Incredible Edible has been so enthusiastic about transforming Wilmslow, saying "what an amazing morning, we have had an abundance of support from so many different people, and are so lucky to have such a huge array of people helping out, all with the common goal of improving Wilmslow."
Councillor Ellie Brooks commented "We have gone from having very little plants except a few overgrown council plots to such a huge array of greenery throughout the town; it's phenomenal."
The judge's route began at Lindow Common where Paul Hughes the park ranger explained the importance of this Site of Special Scientific Interest and the work that Wilmslow is doing to maintain and protect the site. The next stop was Pepperberry nursery, where the children at the nursery showed the judges the sunflowers they had grown, with the seeds which were donated by the RHS.
The tour then continued around the town centre, down Water Lane, Alderley Road and then along Grove Street, with Helen Yates of Incredible Edible pointing out all of the points of interest throughout the town; for example the Incredible Edible beds by the library and many of the scarecrows showcased in the shop windows.
The final part of the tour was at the Carrs Park, where the judges could see the work that goes into maintaining this vast area of greenery for everyone to use and the involvement of the community in the annual Party on the Carrs.
The day finished at the Memorial gardens, where everyone involved in the day's events came together for some delicious sandwiches, cakes and a cold glass of elderflower juice; perfect for such a beautiful day.
It was a huge success, so fingers crossed that on the 24th of October when we find out the results of the competition it will the third time lucky for Wilmslow, in the hope they receive the much coveted title of gold!
Guest post by Pippa Neill age 17. Pippa, a student at Alderley Edge School for Girls, is doing work experience with us over the summer.
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Both Helen Yates of Incredible Edible and Councillor Ellie Brooks commented on not seeing a single piece of rubbish.