Blooming great tips for floral success

A free guide has been created contained 50 tips and suggestions for putting together a successful entry in the annual Britain in Bloom competition.

Alfreton firm Amberol works with councils, In Bloom groups, schools, businesses and voluntary organisations, offering advice and supplying products to help them with their competition entry.

They also work with local authorities to help to create floral displays.

The 30-page booklet has a foreword by chairman of East Midlands in Bloom Jeff Bates and includes tips for each judging criteria – horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.

The information includes suggestions for setting up an In Bloom group, good horticultural practice, maintenance tips and community involvement. Amberol’s Patience Atkinson-Gregory, said: “We work closely with Britain in Bloom entrants across the country, from large local authorities to small voluntary groups, and are constantly impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm that we see.

“Britain in Bloom is such a fantastic community project and we were keen to support all those that take part in the competition. This free guide is one way of achieving that.”

The tips booklet is available by calling Amberol on 01773 830 930, emailing [email protected] or writing to Amberol at The Plantation, King Street, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 7TT.

The booklet is dedicated to John Williamson, a director of Amberol until his death earlier this year. “John was an ardent supporter of the competition and felt very strongly about the importance of maintaining good communal landscaping and green spaces, so it seemed a fitting tribute to dedicate our guide to him,” Patience added.