Islington is starting to bloom as local gardeners begin to plan for an annual gardening competition.
Islington in Bloom, the local horticultural competition run by Islington Gardeners and Islington Council, will open for entries between 2 May and 6 June.
There are 13 categories, including ‘Best container garden’, ‘Best blooming business’ and ‘Best balcony’, and any individuals and groups can enter the competition.
The council first organised the competition 22 years ago to invite the public to “make the most of every centimetre of growing space” as Islington, one of the mostly densely populated London boroughs, has the least greenery in London.
There were 270 entries last year.
Dorothy Boswell, a volunteer judge who has been involved in Islington in Bloom for five years, gave some tips to those interested in entering the competition. She said judges do not just look for “bright flowers that look good” but planting that promotes sustainability and biodiversity.
For example, gardeners could grow plants that can only survive in dry conditions or perennials – plants that come back year after year. Recycled materials could be used, and there should also be a bug hotel or small pond where creatures can live and get water. Entrants may consider growing edible plants like herbs and tomatoes.
Boswell also stressed everyone is welcome: “It’s fun! You don’t have to have a garden. Some people just do it outside their window or on their balcony…You can also plant in a tree pit, which is the little area around a tree on the pavement – everybody can try and everybody who takes part gets a bag of compost.”
More details about how to join the competition can be found on the council website.
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