Plant lovers can get a sneak preview of the thousands of flowers being grown for this year’s Farnham in Bloom floral displays, at a free greenhouse open day on Wednesday 17 May in West Street, Farnham.

This year Farnham is entering both the South and South East in Bloom competition and Britain in Bloom so the organisers of the town’s entry, Farnham Town Council and the Farnham in Bloom Community Group, have set themselves highly ambitious plans for stunning displays throughout the town and surrounding villages.

“Each year, preparations begin with the arrival of thousands of tiny plug plants at the Farnham Town Council greenhouses in March and April,” explains Iain Lynch, Farnham’s Town Clerk. “They are then carefully potted and nurtured throughout the spring by our green team so that by May we have around 17,000 beautiful plants ready for use in hanging baskets, planters, flower beds and all sorts of containers. As you would imagine, it is a sight to behold and the aroma is out of this world. Do come and experience it for yourself on 17 May.”

The greenhouses are open to the public between 10am and 12 noon and from 6pm to 7pm. To come to the open day simply email lara.prior@farnham.gov.uk or call her on 01252 712667.

This is the second year running that Farnham has been invited by Britain in Bloom to enter the national competition, where the standard is incredibly high. Support from the local community, including local businesses, has been vital to Farnham’s success in previous years. This year, Specsavers Farnham is the corporate sponsor, generously funding many of the activities. Dozens of other local businesses are also providing financial support or lending a hand through sponsorship in kind.

The gardening work, which continues throughout the summer, is carried out by the Farnham in Bloom Community Group, Town Council staff and an army of volunteers including gardening enthusiasts, schoolchildren and staff from local businesses.