Residents, businesses, schools and community groups across Oswestry are being encouraged to showcase their gardens, shop fronts and outdoor spaces by entering this year’s Oswestry in Bloom competition.
The popular annual competition celebrates the efforts of people who help make the town more colourful and welcoming through flowers, planting and well-maintained green spaces. Organisers hope this year’s event will attract entries from across the community, from small front gardens and hanging baskets to business premises and shared community areas. The shop window category is themed “Growing Together”.
With spring now underway, organisers say it is the perfect time for people to start planning their displays and consider entering.
At Oswestry In Bloom’s well attended AGM, Chair Natalie Bainbridge said:
“Oswestry in Bloom is a wonderful way for residents, businesses and community groups to show their pride in the town. Every planter, flowerbed and garden display helps brighten our streets and creates a welcoming environment for both residents and visitors. We would love to see as many people as possible getting involved this year.”
The competition includes a range of categories recognising different types of displays, including residential gardens, commercial premises and community spaces. Judges will be looking for colourful planting, creativity and the care people put into maintaining their spaces. Categories are sponsored by local companies and Oswestry In Bloom would like to thank Oswestry BID, Oswald’s Cars, AICO, Cambrian Hearing, Oswestry Life, Visit Oswestry, The Wynnstay Hotel, Stans Supermarket and Oswestry Memorial Hall for their support.
As well as celebrating gardening talent, the competition highlights the important role that planting and green spaces play in improving the town’s appearance and supporting local wildlife.
Entry to the competition is now open, and organisers are inviting anyone with a garden, frontage or outdoor space they are proud of to take part. As well as the competition, Oswestry In Bloom manages a large community of volunteers, who plant, tend and tidy many of the public spaces and planters around the town. Last year Oswestry continued its long run of “Gold” in the RHS Heart of England In Bloom competition.
Further information about categories, entry forms, volunteering and deadlines can be found via the Oswestry in Bloom website oswestryinbloom.wordpress.com, their social media pages @oswestryinbloom or from the Guildhall on Bailey Head.
