Belfast in Bloom is coming of age – the competition is celebrating its 21st birthday this year and everyone is invited to the party.
Julie Bryans and Catherine McIlfatrick encourage Belfast ratepayers to help the city ‘bloom’ for summer.
All you have to do is get digging, planting or pruning to spruce up you window box, garden or street. Local businesses can join the fun by sponsoring flower towers or baskets around the city and taking part in Belfast in Bloom at their individual premises.
Councillor Matt Garrett, Chair of the People and Communities Committee, said:”Belfast in Bloom contributes greatly to the festive atmosphere on our streets throughout the summer. Who isn’t cheered by the sight of colourful displays as they go about their business or pleasure?
“It is a fantastic competition – the idea is to make Belfast more visually attractive for residents and visitors, and the best thing is anyone can participate no matter how small their space to grow things. One individual can enter or they can get together with their neighbours and enter their street or community.
“It helps create a positive atmosphere and encourages people to sample and enjoy local businesses like pubs and restaurants,” he said.
Belfast in Bloom offers individual, community, allotment and commercial category awards including best hotel, pub, and restaurant as well as other commercial properties.
Ken Orr, a winner in last year’s competition for his front garden said: “Whilst I garden for my own pleasure it is nice that people stop and chat, even ask for advice when I am out in the garden working. I grow most of my plants from seed in my green house and the main part of my summer display is cosmos, dahlia, aster and marigolds.
“A window box or basket can provide that splash of colour so why not give it a go; perhaps even enter this year’s competition,” added the man who won three years in a row for his hanging baskets before entering his garden in the competition.
The closing date for entry is Friday, 29 July – so go on get the trowels and watering cans out and get blooming busy. The awards will be announced in early autumn.
Belfast in Bloom offers individual, community, allotment and commercial category awards including best hotel, pub, and restaurant as well as other commercial properties.
