Farnham Town Council’s greenhouse open day showed how one of the nation’s favourite pastimes really can be enjoyed by people of all ages. 

Throughout the day, residents from nearby Bourne Wood Manor Care, a silver sponsor of Farnham in Bloom, came along in small groups to see the flowers while children from Highfield South Farnham planted up hanging baskets which they will enter into the schools’ hanging basket competition. Principal sponsor The Farnham Institute Charity, other Farnham in Bloom sponsors, members of the public and councillors also took the opportunity to see behind the scenes. 

Councillor Sally Dickson, lead member for Community Enhancement says: “As well as improving the appearance of our streets, the flowers which are grown for Farnham in Bloom have additional benefits too. Flowers can have a positive impact on our wellbeing and, as demonstrated by the greenhouse open day are a great way to bring the community together. 

“I am passionate about sustainability and as a newly elected councillor, I’ve been really interested in hearing from the outside workforce about how they use water retaining gel and peat-free compost to minimise the environmental impact of the hanging baskets and containers.”

Some 27,000 plants have been grown by Farnham Town Council staff and volunteers. This has included old time favourites such as dahlias, geraniums and salvia mojave as well as some more unusual varieties such as acalypha and plectranthus which are being grown for colour and their suitability for their surroundings.

Farnham’s entry into South and South East in Bloom will be judged on 9 and 10 July and Britain in Bloom judging will be on 31 July.