Local Roots

2009 Theme

Typically the Royal Horticultural Society would identify a theme for ‘in Bloom’ communities throughout the UK each year. In 2009 and 2010 the theme of 'Local Roots' will be continued in order to allow communities to truly develop the concept.

 

‘In Bloom’ entries are invited to engage with the theme via their planting styles and themes, projects, fundraising events, publicity exercises and any other community activity that may be appropriate. The RHS presents two special Discretionary Awards for the theme; one to the UK Finalist that the judges feel has best encouraged activities and links between their unique local history/heritage and the other for links with cultural diversity within their community. (Many regions/nations ‘in Bloom’ also offer this award in their own regional/national competitions.)

 

Britain in Bloom is primarily a community-based campaign. Celebrating the local community means both remembering the past and embracing the future. Britain in Bloom entries this year are encouraged to find what makes their community unique and incorporate these features into their work, whether through floral displays, community activities, planting styles, educational events or art features.

 

Some examples of what finalists might do:

 

• A ‘One World’ planting project, a garden with trees or plants to represent the different cultural groups within the area.
• Herbs and vegetables specific to cultures might be grown and used in cooking by groups to demonstrate the range of foods used by cultures.
• A Sensory Garden for disabled people within the community to experience the joys of growing and smell, taste and touch plants.
• Floral displays to artistically celebrate a key moment in the history of an area (perhaps a famous figure lived there or an important event took place in the area).
• Hold local seed collecting events of trees and wildflowers and seed sowing events.

 

The Local Roots theme will encourage entries to:

• Celebrate local and cultural history and heritage of the area through Bloom displays and activities.
• Engage local and diverse communities to participate in Bloom.
• Encourage socially excluded groups to participate in Bloom.
• Encourage ethnic minorities to engage with green spaces through cultural events.

 

Further Sources of information for entrants pdf (38KB)

 

Let Britain in Bloom take root in your community