Havering in Bloom

Residents in Havering are being urged to enter this year’s Havering In Bloom competition. As one of the greenest boroughs in London, the Havering in Bloom competition is always hotly contested.

There are 11 categories in the competition which means it is well and truly open to all residents, from gardeners with beautiful window boxes and container boxes to the best community garden and the most beautiful front garden.

The pub and restaurant which produce the best displays for the passing public will be honoured and there is an award for the best business premises, which could cover anything from an office building to a garage forecourt. The awards also include best school hanging basket and best school grounds.

The basket winner will be involved in creating and planting baskets next Spring which will be displayed in South street, Romford. The school grounds award will be given, not just for areas that are attractive and well-maintained, but also on the educational use of the grounds for the pupils.

The awards are not just restricted to beautiful displays of flowers and pretty plants – but also to vegetables with prizes going to best allotment site and allotment plot. On the environment front, there is the bio-diversity award which will be awarded to an area which supports the wildlife population and creates habitats which attract new species through the use of plantings, nesting sites, refuges and natural food sources.

Nomination forms can be picked up at local libraries and Council buildings. All entries must be received by 3 July. The awards will be presented to winners at a special presentation ceremony in October.

Cllr Mann said "This competition has been an excellent show case of our residents talents, many of whom take great pride in their gardens, I have been honoured to present awards in the past for this event whilst i was the cabinet member for StreetCare, i only wish the rules allowed me to take part myself".

To coincide with Havering In Bloom, the Council has packets of sunflower seeds to give away to children who want to enter a competition to grow the tallest sunflower in the borough. The Council has seen some fantastic results over recent years and this year is expected to produce the same level of enthusiasm by all who take part.

Sunflowers can be planted between May and early June. To get a packet of seeds contact maria.smart@havering.gov.uk