Newport In Bloom was launched at the Riverside Suite on Thursday March 10 in 1994. It was part of a strategy to brighten up the borough and encourage the planting of flowers, bulbs, shrubs and trees.

It was hoped by the council that all sections of the community would join together with the aim of making Newport a more pleasant and colourful place to live and work in. This remains the objective for Newport in Bloom to this day.

 

How to Enter
There are gardening competitions for residents in 11 different classes. To enter you can fill in an online entry form or you can contact info@newportinbloom.co.uk to request a form.

 

Competition Classes
There are currently 11 competition classes for you to enter. You may enter only once in classes one to seven, but in addition you may also enter classes eight to 11.

 

Class 1 - Best front garden

Class 2 - Best flower display in pots, tubs and containers

Class 3 - Best flower display at commercial properties

Class 4 - Best flower display at public houses and hotels

Class 5 - Best maintained parish or church gardens and cemeteries

Class 6 - Best flower display in a community and neighbourhood joint effort

Class 7 - Best flower display at residential homes, nursing homes and health premises

Class 8 - Any wildlife garden

Class 9 - Any individual allotment

Class 10 - Community Council open class

Class 11 - Unusual container

 

Hints & Tips
The competition is run to encourage gardening and is open to all sorts of gardens. You do not need a huge garden and it doesn’t have to be up to ‘Chelsea Flower Show’ standard. Here are a few pointers that the judges will be looking for:

1. First impressions
Does your garden stand out from neighbouring ones?  Is there a stunning display of flowers? Are there any unusual or particularly interesting features?

2. Maintenance and weed control
Try to make sure display areas are clear of weeds unless you are entering a wildlife garden! Have a tidy up, clear up leaves etc and make sure everything looks its best on judging day.

3. Colour
Is there a colour scheme or perhaps a multi-toned cottage garden effect? Do colours contrast and complement each other? Are there foliage plants to contrast with the colour and range of flowers?

 

For more information about how to enter Newport in Bloom this year visit www.newportinbloom.co.uk