An Isle of Wight gardening competition’s three-year break hasn’t diminished its popularity, as organisers say a record number of Island residents and businesses have entered the 2022 competition.
Wight In Bloom celebrates the horticultural talents of local people, who go the extra mile to add even more in the way of beauty to the Island.
11 categories
Organised by Visit Isle of Wight, Wight In Bloom this year offered 11 categories for people to enter, including Best Small Front Garden, Best Large Tourist Attraction and Best Young People Initiative.
Mike Fitt OBE, a former London Parks Head Gardener and Island resident, acts as a consultant judge for Wight In Bloom.
Impact of Covid Lockdowns
Mike says he is not surprised that record numbers have entered,
“It was quite noticeable and widely reported that during Lockdown and since then more and more people are discovering the joys and benefits of gardening and caring for the environment.
“Could it be that some of these new recruits are entering Wight In Bloom?”
People come together to help make their patch more beautiful
Mike explained why Wight In Bloom was important to the Island,
“Wight in Bloom and not forgetting all those local ‘In Bloom’ competitions are very important to us because people come together to help make their patch more beautiful and cared for, thereby making the Island a more attractive place for residents and visitors alike, whilst enhancing the idea that the IOW is truly a ‘Garden Isle!’’
Prize-giving
Judging for Wight In Bloom is underway and the awards presentation will take place at Northwood House on 22nd July, where prizes, including the Peggy Jarman Trophy for Best Overall Garden, will be presented by Wight In Bloom Patron, Alan Titchmarsh MBE.
News shared by Simon on behalf of Visit Isle of Wight. Ed
Image: steve sharp under CC BY 2.0
