RHS judges have been to assess Wilmslow against other like sized towns in the RHS North West In Bloom competition.
This is first time Wilmslow has entered the competition which aims to encourage local communities to improve and care for their environment through imaginative planting of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping, conservation and recycling projects, and to sweep away eyesores that blight our streets such as litter, graffiti and vandalism.
The judges were in town to mark it against criteria such as design, colour and presentation. Horticulture is only part of the picture though as the judges were also looking at environmental responsibility such as, recycling, litter, graffiti, signage, art in the landscape and community participation.
The judge and chairman arrived at 2pm on Wednesday, 11th July, and were treated to a two and a half hour tour of just some of the sights across town.
They started at Ashdene Primary School where they met staff, children, parents, helpers and Incredible Edible volunteers to see not only what had been growing but also what had been learned in the process.
Helen Yates, representing Incredible Edible Wilmslow , Steve Kennedy, representing Wilmslow Business Group, and Cllr Ellie Brookes, of Wilmslow Town Council, had organised the route and along the way the judges were able to talk to volunteers and businesses as well as many other groups who have been working hard to give Wilmslow a new buzz.
Helen Yates said "Despite the tight schedule, the judges were happy to talk to all those involved and put us all at ease, it was a very nice afternoon and unbelievably, the sun shone for us!
"It's a very different assessment than judging other 'Blooming Town's' because of course, we encourage people to pick the produce, so just as things are looking their best, they are eaten! This is the whole point though for us that it is useful, local, seasonal and right in the heart of the town so that everyone can enjoy the fruits of our labour.
"We are delighted that twenty-one businesses are taking part for our first year as it was a big ask. Not only did we invite them to budget for a planter, the contents and to care for them, but we wanted them to share the harvest with passers by. The businesses look wonderful and along with the Rotary's annual scarecrow competition, it really is telling our story of how we're all working to give Wilmslow a personality and spirit."
Organisers of the RHS North West In Bloom competition would like to feature Wilmslow in their magazine as the town is a new entry this year and because of the edible theme, which makes Wilmslow a little different from the rest of the entries.
Speaking about the judges reaction Helen told wilmslow.co.uk "They gave us no clues whatsoever!
"I think we find out in the next couple of weeks - once they've judged all the town's entries across the North West."
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