Green-fingered residents urged to help brighten up Borough as In Bloom campaign gets underway!
The 2023 Ards and North Down In Bloom campaign and Community Competitions have been officially launched by the hard working and passionate members of Ballywalter Community Action Group.
Speaking at Ballywalter Community Garden to launch the 2023 campaign, Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council, Councillor Karen Douglas said:
“Ards and North Down In Bloom is your opportunity to make your Borough bloom once again and build on the tremendous efforts we have seen in previous years. Everyone can do their bit by filling a hanging basket, planting a colourful shrub, sowing wildflower seeds or installing a nest box.
“The In Bloom competitions give people the chance to experience the joy of growing flowers and gives residents the platform to help create stunning green spaces within Ards and North Down. I would like to encourage all residents to enter this year’s In Bloom campaign. I look forward to seeing the budding entries bloom in the weeks and months ahead.”
The Ards and North Down in Bloom community competitions are a great chance for people to be recognised for their gardening skills. Applications are welcome from all residents of the Borough and entry is free. Why not consider nominating a neighbour’s garden and other properties that you think are attractive and deserve recognition?
There is a competition category for everyone with great prizes available for winners and runners up in each. Categories include Best Kept Front Garden, Gardening for Wildlife, Best Kept Commercial Premises and Best Kept Community Planting Scheme.
There are competitions specifically for our young gardeners too including a Painting Competition and of course, the hotly contested Tallest Sunflower Competition.
These community competitions encourage everyone who lives or works in the Borough to think about their local environment and how attractive flowers, plants, trees and gardens can enhance it. By actively supporting this competition you will not only make your garden or business more attractive but also contribute to the Borough’s entry to the Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition and other regional awards.
For more information on ‘In Bloom’ and the Community Competitions visit www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/bloom or contact andparks@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Photo captions: Members of Ballywalter Community Action Group gather for the launch of the In Bloom campaign and Community Competitions for 2023.