Judges' top tips

Floral displays

• Consider planting combinations that allow for different weather extremes
• Ensure hanging baskets are fed appropriately
• Involve young people in the design and planting of a flower bed
• Consider sponsorship of floral displays by local businesses
• Include visits to private gardens to see outstanding floral features

Permanent landscaping

• Consider the use of more sustainable planting schemes including herbaceous plants and shrubs
• Introduce some specimen plans and permanent planting in public bedding displays
• Pay attention to permanent planting around car parks

Local environmental quality

• Plan maintenance regimes to ensure the regular treatment of weeds in pavements
• Plan for the regular repair and replacement of litter bins and dog bins

Public awareness

• Consider greater engagement of commercial premises in the campaign
• Produce a quarterly newsletter of Bloom activities within your village / town

Local agenda 21 and sustainable development

• Consider the use of native plant species - for example, not Spanish bluebells!
• Consider clear signage and interpretation boards for visitors and local residents

General comments

• Aim to involve the widest community in all aspects of the Bloom campaign
• Give careful consideration to planning the judging tour as judges can only make an assessment based on what they are shown on the day