The eagerly awaited judging of this year’s Farnham in Bloom entries has begun and will continue until 15 July, prompting a flurry of activity as volunteers carry out last minute checks and tweaks to the prolific array of colourful displays and planting schemes.

Farnham Town Council, organisers of the town’s entries to the categories of best large town, best cemetery and best town centre, are hopeful that judges will be impressed by the diversity and creativity of this year’s planting. The results, which can be seen in and around Farnham, have been achieved through considerable community effort, despite the periods of national lockdown.

“Judges from South and South East in Bloom visited West Street on 7 July and are set to judge the large town entry on 13 July. Then on 15 July, we have two visits: judges will assess Badshot Lea cemetery and our entry to the town centre category. Thanks to the amazing effort of our volunteers and the community effort, the town, our parks and other public spaces are looking stunning,” says Councillor Sally Dickson, Lead Member for Farnham in Bloom. “I hope shoppers and residents are enjoying seeing the displays as much as I am.”

Councillor Dickson is also urging everyone in Farnham to do their bit to help the town look its best: “Even if you have never been involved in Farnham in Bloom, something everyone can do is help keep the area litter free – shops and businesses can help too by having a quick sweep-up outside their premises. Having tidy streets and parks really lifts the overall look of the area and has a big impact.”

Among the achievements being highlighted to the judges are the hundreds of hanging baskets planted by volunteers and schools in peat-free compost, an acre of wildflower planting (representing a 40% increase from last year) and the results of an ambitious tree-planting programme across public gardens and allotments.

“None of this can happen without our wonderful principal sponsor, The Patio Black Spot Removal Company Ltd, all of our other local sponsors and the fabulous volunteers who work so hard keeping every display looking immaculate,” says Councillor Dickson

Gostrey Meadow is also being entered into the competition. After judges have examined, inspected and scrutinised Farnham’s entries, they will continue their visits to other areas in the South East before deciding and verifying their scores during August ready for the competition awards to be made in September.