Members of the community groups and staff from Harrogate Borough council – collectively known as Team Harrogate – were out in force last week to celebrate the town’s 34th Yorkshire in Bloom win!
Not only did Harrogate win its category and with a gold medal, the town also scooped the judges discretionary Yorkshire Rose Award for Best Small City. Yes, we know Harrogate is a town but population wise for awards organiser, the Royal Horticultural Society, we are considered to be a small city and that’s the category into which we are entered.
In their feedback, the judges commented that ‘…Team Harrogate demonstrates the importance of good team work which involves diverse groups each with their own interests but pulling together for the benefit of all.’
Pam Grant, President of Harrogate in Bloom who chairs Team Harrogate, says no matter how many times Harrogate has won Yorkshire in Bloom, it never fails to give a buzz. She added:
I think the judges tour this year was our best ever. The judges said the quality floral displays and hanging baskets throughout central areas by the council, businesses, Team Harrogate and privately all add to the well-maintained welcoming resort atmosphere.
For us, that’s what it’s all about. We were really pleased also that they recognised the importance of businesses getting involved in our ‘in bloom’ campaign. That is why we chose the small but beautiful garden at the Fat Badger to celebrate our success. To echo what the judges said in their concluding remarks, well done Team Harrogate and everyone involved in any way.
