Reading in Bloom is spreading its horticultural influence this year to look for gifted allotment growers.

The annual competition, which is a local forerunner of the national Britain in Bloom competition, run by the Royal Horticultural Society, has added a category for the first time this year.

The most attractively maintained allotment is now part of the annual contest for green-fingered Reading residents.

Allotment holders across the borough will be contacted and urged to take part.

They will be judged not just on their veg but on the way they have maintained their allotment to keep it looking attractive.

Reading in Bloom is run by an independent committee chaired by Reading borough councillor Jeanette Skeats and its aim is to encourage people to put on a floral display to help the town in its entry in the Britain in Bloom competition.

Dr Carolyn Jenkins, of the Reading in Bloom committee, said: “We wanted to get more people involved and we thought allotment holders would be ideal candidates.

“Not many people realise that many allotments are really beautifully maintained and they contribute to Reading in Bloom because allotments are public space.”

Every year enthusiastic gardeners fill their front gardens – no matter how small – with flowers, hanging baskets and window boxes.

In many areas, neighbours get together for the group entries and there are categories for flower lovers who have no front garden at all.

People living on Reading’s two rivers can also take part. They will be judged on their back gardens which can be seen from the river.

Businesses, pubs and restaurants are also invited to take part to get the borough blooming.

Schools are invited to take part in the annual Schools Challenge and each year more schools get involved.

Leaflets with details of the competition will shortly be available in libraries and public buildings.

You can visit www.reading.gov.uk/leisureandculture/readinginbloom to download details.

Site navigation

• Home
• News
• Business
• Sport
• Entertainment
• Lifestyle
• Jobs
• Property
• Motoring
• Classifieds

• A A