The Royal Horticultural Society has selected 73 finalists from over 1,000 entries to take part in the 2012 RHS Britain in Bloom UK Finals.
Ranging from small rural villages to major industrial cities, each finalist is aiming for a gold medal, and the coveted title of category winner.
Sue Biggs, RHS Director General, said: ‘RHS Britain in Bloom would not be the amazing success it is without the enormous number of volunteers who are committed to greening up their corner of the nation – dynamic people, all wanting to make the UK a better place to live. Together they plant more than 115,000 trees, 352,000 shrubs and 21.6 million plants and bulbs annually. The positive impact this has on the environment is enormous. It is an absolute honour for the RHS to be associated with these groups and individuals and I wish them all the very best of luck.’
Last year, the RHS released a report showing how the campaign is making a major difference to the social, environmental and economic health of the country†. Examples of key findings are that community gardening reduces crime and encourages social cohesion.
Although the campaign runs all year round, during the run-up to the judging tour in July, communities throughout the UK unite in an effort to impress the RHS judges. Awarding points against three key criteria – horticultural achievement, community participation, environmental responsibility‡.
The 2012 RHS Britain in Bloom results will be announced in October at a special Awards Ceremony in St Peter Port, Guernsey.
More information
RHS Britain in Bloom – To find out more about Britain in Bloom and download the full list of finalists