The idea
Guildford in Bloom is now in its 42nd year. As an independent association, run by a dedicated team of volunteers its aim is to promote horticultural excellence and protection of wildlife in gardens, allotments and businesses across Guildford. We are looking for funding to complete the 2023 programme and secure the 2024 programme to continue this work in the community.
Running two gardening competitions each year – one for schools and one for general public and businesses – it has grown into much more than just a competition with awards.
Guildford in Bloom is passionate about educating children to spend time in a garden, learning the joy of seeing things they have planted grow strong, to grow food that they can actually eat and experience field (or plot) to fork first hand and finally to learn about the essential garden wildlife – from birds and hedgehogs to bees and butterflies and to be confident in taking steps to protect and encourage them. We do this by working with local school
What we'll deliver
- A Schools in Bloom project to encourage and reward schools who encourage gardening and protection of wildlife
- To run twilight sessions for teachers to help them create a successful garden and bring gardening into the curriculum
- Run the 2023 and 2024 Main Gardening Competition to provide a platform of recognition to local people, community groups
- Stage the Blooming Picnic in 2023 and 2024 to bring the community together,
- Raise the profile of horticultural excellence and the protection of wildlife
Why it's a great idea
• Improve the knowledge of the community as a whole, and children in particular of gardening, growing food and protecting wildlife
• Improve the wellbeing of the community by encouraging time in the garden and outdoors.
• Provide a platform for other associations and groups to collaborate to spread the message of horticulture and protecting wildlife
• Bring the local community together for a free, uplifting event in June
• Reward the efforts of those in the community who take part and are rewarded for their efforts – we know for many individuals and groups this means a great deal to be recognised.
• Encourage residents to cultivate front gardens making the area more attractive and stimulate pride in communities
Steps to get it done
- • June 2023 Blooming Picnic
- • July 2023 – Schools Awards
- • September 2023 – Main Awards
- • February 2024 – School Twilight Sessions for teachers
- • February 2024 – launch of 2024 competitions
- • June 2024 Blooming Picnic
- • July 2024 Schools Awards
- • September 2024 Main Awards
Since January 2022 Guildford in Bloom has been an independent association, solely reliant on funding from sponsorship and management by a committee of volunteers. The current economic climate has made sponsorship harder to come by hence we are seeking crowd funding.
Guildford in Bloom has been in place for 42 years (anniversary in June 2023) and has a tremendous following among residents. Each year approximately 16 schools enter and this is gradually increasing year on year. We receive around 200 general entries each year with the largest category being Allotments and Kitchen Gardens, followed by Front Gardens.
We actively encourage Community Groups and Charities – especially those who use gardening as a therapy for their clients – to participate. However we are aware that not everybody with a need – be it actually support or just company – feels they can join a group and we have met many individuals who have found gardening to be their therapy lifeline. When these individuals are
