Newark welcomes judges from national Britain in Bloom competition, run by the Royal Horticultural Society
The town is going for gold after putting on a show for an annual competition.
Once again Historic Newark in Bloom is taking part in the the national Britain in Bloom campaign, run by the Royal Horticultural Society, which promotes horticultural and environmental community participation to improve neighbourhoods, villages, towns and cities across the country, and is this year celebrating its 60th anniversary.
Competing in the East Midlands in Bloom regional competition, judges visited Newark last week and toured some of the town’s most picturesque spots including Sconce and Devon Park, Newark Castle and Queen Elizabeth Gardens.
They also saw the Barnby Road Allotments, planters and hanging baskets in Newark Market Place, a students led gardening project at Newark College and spoke with dozens of enthusiastic green fingered residents throughout the day.
The judges analysed how areas had been improved through the imaginative use of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping, as well as looking at other factors such as litter and sustainability.
Newark currently holds a silver award after missing out on the top honour by just a single point in last year’s competition, but organisers are hopeful of going one better this time around when the results are announced in September.
A team of dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly for months in preparation for the visit.
Historic Newark in Bloom chairman, Jenni Oliver, said: “We’re responsible for making the town bloom and looking it’s best and a gold awards would be a great honour to have.
“We’re a small group, but it’s a big effort. Come rain or shine, our lovely volunteers put their all into this.
“I think the judges were very impressed, so all being well and fingers crossed, we might have just done it.
“Hopefully by being in the competition we can showcase what we have to offer here and encourage more people to visit our lovely town.”
This year hasn’t been without its challenges as the group have had to adapt to new requirements which no longer allow the use of peat soil.
A lot of extra thought has gone into the type of plants used in, with a greater use of ferns and grasses to ensure displays look their best all year around.
Newark Town Council sponsored the town’s entry into the competition and contributed towards the cost of plants and materials, while Newark and Sherwood District Council helped to mainatain the floral displays as well as de-weeding roads and green areas.
Historic Newark in Bloom, which contributes to events and keep the town looking its best all year round, are always looking for new members to join.
The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month at Newark Town Hall and anyone interested in joining should call 07704 526403.
