In 2021 as an antidote to lockdown the Broadstairs Town Team Garden Group volunteers decided to enter four of our community gardens into the South & South East In Bloom, RHS category “It’s Your Neighbourhood”.
This “In Bloom” category is not judged formally but assessed. We do not have to do any presentations, other than presenting our gardens. The assessor is appointed by the regional In Bloom team. Unlike the main In Bloom category the assessor only assesses the garden. The assessment period is up to an hour for large garden and scaled back for smaller garden entries. It is a very informal visit, that allows the assessor to meet our wonderful volunteers, supporters and sponsors.
Our results in 2021 were encouraging and over the next three years we worked hard to take on board the recommendations made by the assessors. We raised funds to initiate projects to improve volunteer safety, ensure the long-term sustainability of the gardens and most importantly bring joy to our community.
In 2024 we entered all our community garden areas. We had a wonderful day showing off our gardens and outlining our plans for the future to our assessor. It’s Your Neighbourhood is not a competition, although our volunteers are hugely competitive it is about showing how our volunteers make a difference in their community, how we sustain the gardens and most importantly look after the environment.
On 20 September 2024 a group of volunteers attended the South & South East, In Bloom Awards at RHS Wisley. Whoops of joy resonated the hall as our results and awards were announced. Not only were our gardens awarded “Outstanding” but we were winners of the Sustainable Gardening category. Following the awards, we set up a celebration event to share our success with volunteers and supporters in the community. Our guest speaker the well-known local gardener and RHS Gold medal winner Steve Edney.
None of this would be possible without the support of our many sponsors which includes the Broadstairs & St Peters Town Council who have not only supported us with grants but given our group a huge amount of support and encouragement over the last four years. Having reached the pinnacle of the It’s Your Neighbourhood awards we have taken a year out to take stock and assess our options for 2026.
My message to other community groups thinking about entering In Bloom is “give it a go”
It is not all about having the perfect garden as 40% of the marks are for community engagement and 30% for environment.
The Broadstairs Town Team Garden Group are very lucky to have an In Bloom Ambassador in their midst but volunteers with the knowledge and skills to support any fledgling groups thanking of entering any of the many In Bloom categories in 2026.
If you are interested in volunteering with us or seeking advice about entering In Bloom contact us at: info@broadstairstownteam.org.uk
– Sue Wainwright
Broadstairs Town Team Garden Group
15th July 2025
