Northampton in Bloom

Northampton Town Council is entering the Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) East Midlands in Bloom competition for the first time this year, competing against other towns and cities in the region for a chance of recognition in one of the largest horticultural campaigns in Europe.

RHS judges will visit various planting projects around the town this summer, along with evaluating the impact of the floral planters provided by the town council, the quality and cleanliness of the environment and community involvement.

Planting projects will be assessed on horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation, with local groups such as Abington Vale Primary School, the Friends of Billing Road Cemetery and the Friends of St Giles' Terrace actively involved.

From May to September, several hundred colourful baskets and planters will be placed around the town centre and surrounding neighbourhoods, with some featuring orange, red, and yellow flowers to help commemorate the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton, which will be celebrated with various events this year.

Northampton town previously participated in the both the East Midlands and Britain in Bloom competitions for 18 years, earning a Silver Gilt in 2018 and a Gold Award in 2019. The global pandemic and closure of the borough council resulted in a break, but the town council is now taking the competition entry forward.

Residents, businesses and schools are encouraged to participate in this year's competition by decorating their gardens, premises and shop windows, for a chance of recognition in categories of best residential, best business and best pub/ hotel garden.

Since forming, Northampton Town Council has been responsible for Northampton in Bloom. Traditionally, Bloom mainly covered the town centre area, however we have now expanded the floral displays into our town council wards whilst championing local initiatives established by local resident groups and communities.

Northampton in Bloom is a project that the town council are proud to deliver; our aim is to build and grow connections in all the wards within the parish boundary in the coming years.

As this project evolves, we are also looking at how we can make these displays more environmentally friendly with the addition of sustainable planters and the use of peat-free compost.

Everyone can help make Northampton bloom so if you would like to get involved with any existing projects, or be part of a new bloom-associated project, please contact: bloom@northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk