Edinburgh Wins Silver Gilt at RHS Britain in Bloom Awards

EDINBURGH WINS SILVER GILT AT RHS BRITAIN IN BLOOM AWARDS

Edinburgh was presented with a Silver Gilt Award
in the RHS Britain in Bloom campaign, the largest horticultural
competition in Europe. The awards ceremony, attended by over 450
community and gardening champions, was held last night at the Riviera
International Conference Centre in Torbay, hosted by BBC Gardeners'
World presenter, Toby Buckland.
 
The Royal Horticultural Society is
the UK's leading gardening charity and through its Britain in Bloom
campaign encourages people to join together to improve their local
environments. Over 1100 communities across the UK participate and 67
finalists were chosen to represent their region/nation in the UK
finals.

Each entry is judged on its floral displays, permanent
landscaping, sustainable development, environmental initiatives, public
awareness and community participation.
 
RHS judges Rae Beckwith and Jim Goodwin said,
"Particular mention must be made of the Botanic Gardens and small
pocket parks - the work showed  considerable community involvement." 
The judges were also impressed with:The first class tree recording system, which will be of major use in the future.
· The use of various types of recycling facilities in the Grassmarket.

The number of Friends Groups that were operating.
 
Special discretionary awards were
given to communities and individuals that demonstrated excellence in a
particular area. The Local Roots discretionary award was presented to
two communities whose Britain in Bloom initiatives connected their
unique local history and or cultural diversity. Judges thought Eston,
Middlesborough, showed how the community worked together to present a
fantastic result and awarded them the Cultural Diversity award. The
Heritage award went to Plymouth for the superb Darwin 200 commemorative
planting displays at various sites in Plymouth.

Roger Burnett, Chair of the RHS
Britain in Bloom national judging panel said "2009 Britain in Bloom
finalists have been outstanding. The team of fourteen judges has not
been disappointed at the tremendous standards achieved.
 
"The trend over the past few years
to plant more sustainable species is really beginning to take root in
many of the communities with imaginative plant combinations providing
year round interest and colour. This is more prevalent in the smaller
communities, who, despite the current economic climate continue to be
innovative and resourceful in developing their environment.
 
"My fellow judges and I are often
surprised and privileged to witness first hand what can be achieved in
the smallest village to the largest city and we look forward to
welcoming more and more communities into the campaign year on year."
 
"The new, more focused judging
criteria have given communities clearer guidelines to work towards and
the feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive," said
Stephanie Eynon, Community Horticulture Manager.

The RHS believes that gardening
improves the quality of life and that everyone should have access to
great garden experiences. As a charity we help to bring gardening into
people's lives and support gardeners of all levels and abilities;
whether they are expert horticulturists or children who are planting
seeds for the very first time.  For
further information about RHS Britain in Bloom, including details of
past results, 
please contact Eulina Clairmont on [email protected] or 020
7821 3657
 RHS membership is for
anyone with an interest in gardening. Support the RHS and secure a
healthy future for gardening. For more information call: 0845 130 4646,
or visit www.rhs.org.uk