Getting to the core of Britain in Bloom (From Ledbury Reporter)

Getting to the core of Britain in Bloom

11:00am Monday 25th February 2013 in Ledbury By Gary Bills-Geddes

ORCHARDS is the theme for this year’s Britain in Bloom entry.

Organisers are hoping for more sucesss in the annual competition under the title Ledbury, An Orchard Town.

The town’s launch weekend will be on April 13 and April 14, and volunteers will gather on the Recreation Ground in advance of a mass town litter pick on the opening day, from 10am.

But for Claire Moore, volunteer co-ordinator for Ledbury in Bloom, the hard work already started when youngsters at Ledbury Primary School joined her team for a litter pick after lessons.

It was exactly the kind of community involvement she is looking for.

She said: “We really hope everyone will embrace this year’s theme and anticipate some fantastic displays later in the summer.

“We should be able to press-gang a few more volunteers, promote Ledbury in Bloom and communicate the importance of community involvement. We’d love to see lots of volunteers, supporters and sponsors.”

Referring to Ledbury’s success in previous years, she added: “Here’s to a seventh Gold Award in July, and who knows, maybe even a Britain in Bloom finalist place!”

Regular Ledbury in Bloom planting and tending sessions are being arranged, with full details still to be confimed, but with a focus on Queen’s Walk and the Walled Garden.

And the team already has a good idea how to make the High Street meet both the town’s orchard theme and the wider Britain in Bloom theme for 2013, which is Edible Britain.

Mrs Moore said: “Plans are already afoot for planting High Street and Homend tubs with apple trees.

“We also we anticipate lots of herbs and vegetables in other areas.

“Where edible plants would prove difficult to grow, we will concentrate on floral displays in purple and white – a ‘regal’ nod to the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation.”