Entry deadline looms for Harrogate In Bloom

Dear Reader, this article is free to read. We publish about 100 articles a week all exclusively focused on local news. Please support independent local journalism by subscribing here. It costs as little as 14p a day.

Organisations with eye-catching floral displays are being urged to enter this year’s Harrogate in Bloom competition.

The annual contest recognises those who go the extra mile to make the town look attractive.

The six categories are: hotels, guest houses, pubs and restaurants, care homes, communal grounds and residential community.

The guest house category was introduced this year to prevent small accommodation providers going up against big hotels with professional gardeners.

Judges consider the range, quality and maintenance of planting; decorative features; well-maintained boundaries, paving, paths etc; the amount of litter; community participation; and overall impression.

Details of last year's winners, which included Rossett Acre Primary School, Raworth Solicitors and Swan Court, are here.

The deadline for entries is Friday, June 27). More information is available here.

Harrogate in Bloom, a voluntary group that represents all those who use flowers to brighten the town, including North Yorkshire Council, Harrogate Business Improvement District, Harrogate Flower Shows, Horticap and the Stray Defence Association, organises the awards.

The organisation has also entered Harrogate into the annual Yorkshire in Bloom contest.

Judging will take place on July 7, and if the town impresses it will go forward to the Britain in Bloom contest.

Harrogate has won every major ‘In Bloom’ competition since the awards began more than 40 years ago and claimed a gold award at last year’s national finals. Aberdeen took the overall title in the small city category, which Harrogate entered.