Getting involved in Farnham in Bloom is easier than ever this year with two new initiatives taking place for spring.

Those looking for a lasting Mother’s Day gift have the chance to dedicate a Farnham in Bloom hanging basket especially for their mum. A dedicated hanging basket will long outlive the traditional bouquet of flowers. As well as seeing the basket looking beautiful throughout the summer and well in to autumn, the names of all mothers who have a basket dedicated to them will be added to the Farnham in Bloom sponsor board on South Street, which will be on display from June until November.

Residents who want to try out their own planting can also take part in National Plant a Flower Day which this year is on 12 March. The organisers of Farnham in Bloom recommend it as the ideal way to start getting involved in this year’s In Bloom activities, particularly for people who are new to gardening.

“Using containers to plant summer flowering bulbs or seeds for bedding plants couldn’t be easier. You will find lots of ideas in local garden centres and by planting now, you will have some beautiful displays for the summer,” says Councillor Stephen Hill, Farnham Town Council’s Lead Member for Farnham in Bloom. The Council and Farnham in Bloom Community Group is encouraging people to get planting over the weekend ready for the official Plant a Flower Day on Monday. “We would love to see people’s pictures of their planting activities over the weekend and on the 12th itself – just share them with us on Facebook and Twitter @farnhamofficial,” says Cllr Hill.

He continues: “With our hanging baskets, we are giving residents the chance to give a really meaningful and lasting gift to their mums. Being a mum is a year-round job – they never stop thinking of us – so while it’s great that we thank them on Mother’s Day, wouldn’t it be even better to show our appreciation throughout the year. I’m sure local mums and grandmothers would love to see their very own hanging basket in the town centre in bloom over the summer and beyond.”

To sponsor a hanging basket for your mum or a loved one, email lara.miller@farnham.gov.uk or call 01252 712667. Sponsorship costs £60, which includes all preparation, planting and tending as well as the recipient’s name being added to the Farnham in Bloom sponsor board. Farnham Town Council will also email you a printable thank you note featuring Farnham in Bloom to insert in your Mother’s Day card. The baskets will be on display in Farnham town centre from around June to October.

Farnham in Bloom receives a range of sponsorship to help make the event happen. Numerous businesses provide sponsorship or support in kind. This year’s sponsorship of hanging baskets helps residents to provide sponsorship too.