Borders community garden group up for horticultural award
A BORDERS community gardening group has reached the final of a UK-wide horticultural competition.
Lauder in Bloom was one of four Scottish organisations which found success at Keep Scotland Beautiful’s 2023 Beautiful Scotland contest.
Now the Borders group has been nominated by the environmental charity at the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Britain in Bloom competition.
Ray Theedam Parry, from Lauder in Bloom, said: “Following last year’s success in the national Beautiful Scotland awards, we are delighted to have been nominated by Keep Scotland Beautiful to represent Scotland in the UK RHS Britain in Bloom finals.
“Although it will be a huge challenge for us, we are proud to be given this opportunity so that Lauder’s wonderful community spirit can be showcased to the UK Britain in Bloom judges this summer.”
At last year’s Beautiful Scotland competition, Lauder in Bloom won the Large Village Award, the David Welch Memorial Award for Something Special, and the Keep Scotland Beautiful Award in the Beautiful Scotland initiative.
Lauder in Bloom will compete against eight other finalists in the Large Village category at the Britain in Bloom competition.
Judges from the Royal Horticultural Society will visit all of this year’s finalists between July 24 and August 16 ahead of the awards ceremony on October 21.
Juliette Camburn, senior community initiatives officer with Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “It’s fantastic to see Lauder in Bloom reach the RHS Britain in Bloom UK finals for the first time.
“All of our Beautiful Scotland groups do so much spectacular
work in their communities and are committed to climate and nature action and the preservation and enhancement of their neighbourhoods.
“To see four groups reach the UK finals highlights how important and appreciated their work is.
“They are fully deserving of
their place, and I wish them the best of luck.”
For community groups interested in taking part in the Beautiful Scotland competition or the non-competitive It’s Your Neighbourhood initiative can register and find out more by visiting the Keep Scotland Beautiful website.