‘In Bloom’ Community Competitions launched

He said: “Mid and East Antrim has won a string of horticultural awards thanks in part to our Mid and East Antrim in Bloom campaign which encourages everyone who lives in the Borough to think about their local environment and how flowers, plants, trees and gardens can enhance it for people and wildlife. As well as environmental benefits, gardening has huge health and wellbeing benefits.Over the last year we’ve come to rely on our gardens and green spaces more than ever. Many of us have rediscovered the importance of connecting with nature for our mental and physical wellbeing resulting in millions more people rediscovering the uplifting power of plants and gardening.

“Our Mid and East Antrim in Bloom Community Competitions are a great chance for residents to be recognised and rewarded for their gardening skills. Applications are welcome from all residents of the Borough and entry is free of charge. Why not consider nominating a neighbour or friend you think deserve recognition?

“There are 12 community competitions in total with great prizes for winners and runners up in each. General categories include Best Kept Front Garden, Best Kept Front Container Garden, Best Kept Allotment Garden, Best Kept Commercial Premises, Best Kept Community Planting Scheme, Gardening for Wildlife Award, Volunteer of the Year and Outstanding Contribution to In Bloom. There are also four competitions specifically for our young residents – Young Volunteer of the Year, Blooming Creative, Best School Gardening Project and the Tallest Sunflower Comp.”