Yorkshire in Bloom Judging comments 2009
Knaresborough
Silver Gilt Rose Award
Spring: Silver Gilt Rose Award Summer: Gold Rose Award
Introduction (introductory
remarks from the judges):
Despite the torrential rain the summer judging day was filled with surprises,
Knaresborough in Bloom along with the Borough and Town Council are working hard
to improve this already beautiful market town. Through their efforts the town
sparkles, it’s basket lined streets, flower beds and community involvement,
especially the enthusiasm of the local children are a credit to all involved,
a first rate entry with great potential to go onto greater things.
SECTION A – Horticultural
Achievement
Areas of Achievement:
Knaresborough House, the centre of the Broom Groups activities is a stunning
floral centre piece to the whole town. The ongoing hanging basket sponsorship
scheme is a great way of involving businesses in the bloom effort. The children’s
involvement in the Picture Bed at the castle is a great way of getting children
involved and interested in their town’s floral features. The inclusion
on the tour of the Low Bridge caravan site was a great idea, it is exceptionally
well maintained and with a great sense of community spirit.
Areas for Improvement:
With ever tightening budgets maintaining such a high standard of floral displays
may become increasingly difficult, perhaps think about adding some more sustainable
plants into the displays.
Continue to develop ‘Bebra’ gardens, adding further permanent planting
to enhance this town park.
The planted boats although a excellent idea were not quite mature enough to
show their full potential, perhaps look at earlier planting or even add more
sustainable perennial plants to add interest and height.
SECTION B – Environmental
Responsibility
Areas of Achievement:
The inclusion on the tour of ‘Our Lady of the Crag Church’ demonstrated
admirably the diverse range of heritage in this historic town. The information
given by the Borough Re-cycling Officer was invaluable in assessing the efforts
being made towards re-cycling in the Town. The town was spotlessly clean and
tidy, a great effort despite the abysmal weather.
Areas for Improvement:
Perhaps try and involve the children in the town a little more with cleanliness
initiatives. Continue to expand the art work in various sites and maybe make
more of this, as it is a fantastic example of what can be achieved, many similar
bloom groups could learn from it.
SECTION C – Community
Participation
Areas of Achievement:
The ongoing commitment of the Bloom Group and it’s Borough and Town partners
is an excellent example of demonstrating how through such links greater community
participation and ownership can be achieved. Knaresborough in Bloom are demonstrating
what can be achieved when a community pulls together working all year round
and raising funds in kind support through close links to businesses in the town.
Areas for Improvement:
Involving the children of the town is a strong element of Knaresborough in Bloom,
capitalise on this and think of other ways of encouraging more to become involved.
Continue to promote the excellent initiates already underway, including the
Best Kept Gardens Competition and the new Sponsor a Planter Scheme, may be think
of extending this to flower beds.
Knaresborough Railway
Station Silver Gilt Rose Award
An impressive mix of planting displays, obviously well tended and managed. A
good approach to future developments and ongoing plans.
Areas of Achievement:
Hanging Baskets and watering system. The rebuilt carts and their planting. Use
of mixed permanent and annual planting. All year round interest. Proposed use
of water butt.
Areas for improvement:
Dead branches could have been removed from the woodland garden. Young tree seedlings
could be removed. Good to see a bird feeder, shame it was empty. The planting
programme is much needed. Signage to promote in Bloom especially on the planted
carts.
Knaresborough Castle
Gold Rose Award
Introduction (introductory remarks from the judges):
A gem tucked away and well worth discovering
Obviously well used and appreciated by locals and visitors
An excellent blend of formal planting, open space, recreational activities and
seating for quiet contemplations
Areas of Achievement:
Overall up keep and presentation was very good, thanks to the permanent gardener.
Flower beds, especially by the bowling green a lovely idea well executed
All the planters were full and well maintained
Well maintained mature trees, hedges and roses
Areas for Improvement:
Signage to promote ‘wild area’ adjacent to the steps at the war
memorial
Possible introduction of planters in front of museum building
It will be good to see the proposed display boards
Knaresborough House Gold Rose Award
Introduction (introductory remarks from the judges):
A pleasure to see such lovely planting up close
The community involvement is very obvious
An excellent display
Areas of Achievement:
Very full hanging baskets and window boxes
Use of bee friendly plants and an interesting choice of formal bedding
Good use of the wall by the car park entrance
Contract of formal frontage and open space
Areas for Improvement:
Remove cigarette pack from grass area and cigarette butts from side door
Possible introduction of some long grass to encourage bio-diversity