Leamington set to bloom as town goes for gold

Get your gardens blossoming and start snapping to go for gold in a new set of challenges to shake up the annual Leamington in Bloom contest.
Leamington in BloomLeamington in Bloom
Leamington in Bloom

The summer garden competition is opening itself up to every resident in the town and even keen photographers for the first time, in hope of pulling the contest in a new direction.

The usual categories have been simplified for 2016, with just two contests for entrants now open: a garden competition for all sizes and window boxes, and a photography entry for people to show off what they love about Leamington.

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As they plan a possible third commercial category, organisers say it is all about making the summer celebration more accessible to push the town into top spot for national judges.

Leamington in Bloom. Image by PicasaLeamington in Bloom. Image by Picasa
Leamington in Bloom. Image by Picasa

New committee member Annabel Rainbow said it was all about getting more people signed up to help town bloom.

“We have to go for gold,” she said. “It is what it is all about.

“We wanted a way to make the competition a bit more modern and get more people entering this year.

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“A lot of people live in flats and think entering is beyond the space they have, so we want to try and be a bit more inclusive and hopefully get the number of entrants up as they are dwindling.

Leamington in BloomLeamington in Bloom
Leamington in Bloom

“We are trying to think of new ideas and want to be able to really show off Leamington and get that gold.”

Leamington is now judged in the small city category in the Heart of England In Bloom competition due to its population and must now compete against much larger towns.

Run by the Royal Horticultural Society, the competition is held each summer to brighten up the UK, make residents proud of their areas and offer towns and cities prizes up to the top spot of gold.

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Leamington organisers are now working hard to achieve the top level and beat last year’s silver gilt prize.

Leamington in Bloom. Image by PicasaLeamington in Bloom. Image by Picasa
Leamington in Bloom. Image by Picasa

Entries are now open for the garden competition. Any size front or back garden is eligible, as well as hanging baskets and container displays.

Send a picture of your display by June 24 in hope of being shortlisted by judges.

And in the newest category, keen photographers are urged to get snapping to take the best image on the theme of Royal Leamington Spa.

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Pictures can be of any place, people or event in the town and all images will be in with chance of winning a cash prize up to £30, and making it into the committee’s first charity calendar for 2017.

Up to three images per entrant to be received by July 15.

Download an entry form from Leamington Town Council or visit the Town Hall or library.

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