RHS Judges were welcomed to Wilmslow today (Thursday, 8th July) for a tour of the town to assess Wilmslow In Bloom's entry into the competition.
John Bilsborough, who has been to Wilmslow a number of times – including the last time that the regional competition was held in 2019 - was joined by Neil Harvey who had not previously visited our town in his capacity as an RHS judge, but frequently comes here to shop!
Ruth Menlove, Chair of Wilmslow In Bloom said "We gave the two judges a brief presentation, largely consisting of the scope of our entries that they would have insufficient time to view and then escorted them around the town. They admired the gardens around the United Reformed Church and were impressed with the developments in Chapel Lane, which has been so improved with the use of plants to head a broad community involvement.
"As ever the edible planting in the Temp was impressive and the flower bed in Arlington Drive, planted and maintained by members of Fulshaw WI was an interesting talking point."
Ruth added "The rare species on Lindow Common are impossible to demonstrate on a site visit but we had included a number of photographs in the earlier presentation and our new Ranger expertly described some of the reasons why this precious site is designated a Site Of Special Scientific Interest and Nature Reserve.
"After a brief walk through the town centre we looked at the raised beds in the main car park and resisted the temptation to sample the ripe gooseberries before visiting the carters pond beside the cricket pitch and walking past the beds around the Leisure Centre to the station.
"We briefly stopped at the Memorial Gardens to admire the Heart of Gold roses and ended our tour at the Community garden at Oakenclough on the Colshaw Farm Estate. This site only started its development eight months ago and is already growing mature fruit and vegetables with the help of numerous local residents."
Many volunteers came out to talk to the Judges and to explain their individual and collective contribution to our In Bloom entry.
Ruth said "I am very heartened that so much time and obvious effort was on display today and that the judges could see that the enthusiasm and commitment was and remains so much a part of our local communities."
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