East Hull’s hugely-successful environmental competition, Park Area in Bloom, is returning for 2011 and residents, businesses, schools and community groups are being urged to “say it with flowers” and bring some colour into their neighbourhoods.
Park Area in Bloom, covering parts of east Hull, is being run by the charity, EMS Yorkshire Ltd, for the second year, in conjunction with Hull City Council’s Park Area Team and the Preston Road Neighbourhood Development Company Ltd.
The competition, which is open to residents, businesses, allotment holders, community groups and schools, is part of the overall Hull in Bloom contest and normally attracts the biggest entry in the city. This year, the organisers are calling on schools and businesses to make their mark in East Hull in 2011.
Margaret Cundill of Westerdale Grove not only won last year’s Park Area in Bloom competition for her hanging baskets and containers but went on to scoop the overall Hull in Bloom title. Mrs Cundill, who had hip replacement surgery 18 months ago, found building hanging baskets very therapeutic.
She says: “Entering Park Area in Bloom has been a great success for me, Since I started in 2006, I’ve done incredibly well and it makes me want to do better each time I enter. I spend a lot of time in my garden and love every minute of it. I was thrilled to win the Hull in Bloom prize last year and it has made me more determined to produce even more colourful baskets this year.”
EMS Chief Executive Jan Boyd says: “Looking after their garden is a real passion for a number of residents, but taking part in Park Area in Bloom is something that everyone could do. I’d really love to see many more businesses, schools and community groups in the Park Area becoming involved. People don’t have to spend a lot, it costs nothing to enter and colourful plants and flowers really lift the area. “Over 80 residents attended last year’s awards ceremony at the Freedom Centre so we are sure of a great night, come October.”
The categories are:
Best Displays by a public house, commercial organisation, community group, and school;
Best Front, Back or Full Garden; and Allotment Garden;
Best Planted Container or Hanging Basket;
Best Contribution to Wildlife.
The closing date is Friday 9th July and judging will take place the following week, with an awards ceremony at the Freedom Centre, Preston Road Village Centre, on Wednesday 12th October.
Entry forms are available from EMS on 01482 709810, email info@emsyorkshire.co.uk.