Tips for Britain in Bloom – Horticultural achievement

As we edge closer to the summer, Britain in Bloom entrants will be working hard in preparation for judges’ visit in just a few months’ time. Based on over 40 years’ experience working within the horticultural industry, here are some more of Amberol’s tips for a bloomin’ great competition entry. 1. Don’t forget to look upwards. Hanging baskets can be difficult to maintain due to the need for regular watering in the summer months. However, they look fantastic and draw the eye to different levels, creating variety in floral displays and brightening up drab buildings or streets. To ensure hanging baskets stay the course, select robust plants that need minimum maintenance. You may also want to consider investing in Amberol’s self-watering hanging baskets which require watering only once weekly – even in the hottest, driest conditions. Click here to see our range of self-watering hanging baskets. 2. Go wild. Whilst well maintained and cultivated floral displays are an important part of any Britain in Bloom entry, wildflowers can look just as beautiful and the inclusion of ‘wild’ areas is looked upon favourably by judges. However, these areas still need to be planned and planted as part of your entry, with accompanying documentation where relevant. 3. Grow your own. There is a real drive to encourage the practice of growing our own fruit and vegetables and the planting of edible plants is welcomed by the competition judges. Creating edible gardens can be great community initiative and is a great way of involving schools. Your entry could include school gardens, as well as allotments with edible plants forming part of floral displays. Some Britain in Bloom entrants have also created recipe ideas and held cookery demonstrations using the edible produce they have grown. Because self-watering containers create optimal conditions, they are a great way of ensuring maximum cropping for GYO projects.

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