Councillor Denise Denis says that there is a category for everyone in this year’s Wells In Bloom competition
GARDENERS – it’s that time of year when you are probably starting the plotting and planning of your gardens for the summer months ahead… and hopefully filling in the application form to enter Wells In Bloom 2024!
Wells In Bloom is a celebration of the people of Wells who are shaping beautiful outdoor spaces across the city – from tiny patios and allotments, to private gardens, businesses, schools and community areas.
No matter if this is your first year of picking up a trowel or you have decades of experience, we are welcoming everyone to take part and share your green-fingered endeavours. We have lots of categories so there’s something for everyone. And it doesn’t matter if you have already entered in previous years as we know your gardens are constantly evolving and we love returning.
Last year’s overall Gardens winners Jacky and Dick Hodgson (garden pictured) said: “It was a thoroughly uplifting and enjoyable experience. The extra bonus was that following the judges visit, the garden needed very little maintenance – subsequently giving more time for us and our many visitors to appreciate it for the rest of the year.”
Despite some challenging weather conditions last year, the gardens of Wells were looking particularly beautiful and full of surprises. The judges were struck by the diversity and quality of the gardens they visited – from structured and stylised spaces to those that were looser and more informal.
Extra marks were awarded to those who had thought about gardening for wildlife and environmentally sustainable practices. Sharon Brien, winner of the Best Wildlife Friendly Garden, said: “I was so pleased to win Wells Wildlife Garden of the Year. Our garden has an open-gate policy; all wildlife is welcome, and we have been delighted to see badgers, hedgehogs, newts, frogs and wild rabbits visiting us, to name a few. Simple things like not using any pesticides, providing water in various areas of the garden and, if space is available, keeping an area as natural as possible or not cutting grass as often. Also, not harvesting all fruit and vegetables, so birds and insects may have a feast too.”
Most of the judging this year will take place in June and we will then come together to showcase the highlights and present the awards on Friday, October 4.
Deadline for applying: May 31, 2024.
How to get your application forms:
• Download – www.wells.gov.uk/wells-in-bloom
• Hard copies available from the Wells Town Hall – 01749 67309.