This in from Tracy. Ed
For the fourth consecutive year Newport Parish Council is hosting Bloomin’ Green, a competition to encourage the people of Newport – residents, allotment holders, schools, businesses, community groups – to provide oases for wildlife in and around the town, as gardens in residential areas can form a vital patchwork of mini-habitats.
Wildlife-friendly gardens
This competition isn’t about creating a pristine Chelsea Show exhibit! It’s about having a wildlife-friendly garden, whether that’s by planting nectar and pollenrich plants for bees and butterflies, making a small pond for amphibians, or perhaps by providing a habitat pile using recycled wood pallets.
Best of all, it’s a fun, outdoor activity on your very own doorstep!
Create a haven
For some people their garden or plot of land will already be providing these benefits but for others this is the chance to now start creating a haven, no matter how large or small an area you have. Don’t forget the judges will also award points for any clever uses of recycling materials.
How about a scarecrow fashioned out of reclaimed materials or bird feeders made from plastic bottles?
Remember, the more innovative the better!
How to take part
This is a great opportunity for individuals or groups to take part in a rewarding project which everyone can continue to enjoy long after the judging is over. So whether you’d like to enter your own garden, your school, care home, business, allotment – make 2015 the year that Newport is truly Bloomin Green!
Criteria:
- Points will be scored on the volume of plants and items per unit area, so you can enter any size garden/allotment/etc.
- You must have your garden located within the Newport Parish boundary i.e. Newport, Carisbrooke, Gunville.
- For judging purposes it’s important to consider such things as using plants that are drought-resistant, ways to harvest water, how you can recycle materials, source items locally and manage pests and weeds organically.
Categories:
- Best for wildlife
- Best for butterflies and bees
- Best use of recycled materials
- Most Productive (fruit and vegetables).
- Best organic allotment
Closing date is 12th June 2015. Gardens will be judged mid-late July 2015 For further details, an application form or for any queries please contact Maxine Yule on (01983) 559119 or email [email protected] or visit our Website
Image: punktestern under CC BY 2.0
