Digging for Victory

They have already won 50 In Bloom titles but Harrogate in Bloom and Harrogate Borough Council are still ‘Digging for Victory’.

They have entered Yorkshire in Bloom again as all involved are keen to take on the challenge because of the important impact this has on the town’s tourist economy.

Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, Councillor Mrs Pat Jones, welcomed Yorkshire in Bloom judges to Harrogate at the town’s latest floral exhibit – A Postcard from Harrogate which is located on Montpellier Hill. Pam Lofthouse and Steve Bumby, both from West Yorkshire, were in town for the second round of judging.

Entrants are judged twice, first in the spring and then again during the summer months. Winners will be announced at the regional award ceremony which will take place in The Pavilions, Harrogate on 20 September and the awards will be presented by Martin Fish Show Director for the North of England Horticultural Society (organisers of the Harrogate Flower Shows) and a Yorkshire in Bloom Judge.

Patrick Kilburn, Harrogate Borough Council’s Head of Parks and Open Spaces said: “The whole district is renowned for our high quality parks and open spaces. Making sure that we keep to award standard is a joint effort. I want to thank everyone involved, from the council, through to local businesses, residents and the many volunteers who help us day in day out.

“We all have the same thing in common – to make this district the best place to live, work and visit.”

The judges started at Harlow Carr Gardens and then members of Harrogate in Bloom took them on a tour which took in: Harlow Hill allotments, Rossett Acre Nature Reserve, St Mark’s Church, Hornbeam Park, St Michael’s Hospice, Hookstone Wood, Great Yorkshire Showground, Stonefall Cemetery, Tidy Gardens, West Park, Montpellier Hill and finishing at the Valley Gardens where they were met by six pupils from Oatlands County Primary School’s gardening club.

Pam Grant, President of Harrogate in Bloom, added: “In these times of austerity, it is most important that everyone works together to maintain Harrogate’s floral reputation which is vital for the future of tourism and the entire local economy. Please keep Harrogate blooming!”

The judges were also judging the Harrogate Homeless Project and Swinton Court who have both entered the My Neighbourhood category and Willow Tree County Primary School (formerly Woodfield) which has entered the Young People category.