Following their success in the 2019 South & South East In Bloom’s Small Coastal Town category, Sandown has been nominated as a 2020 UK Finalist in Britain in Bloom with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Sandown Green Town Volunteers’ Chair, Christine Jackson, said:
“We are honoured to be leading Sandown’s entry, representing the town and Island we love, and S&SE In Bloom.
Article continues below this advertisement ‘Towns are judged on their horticultural achievements, their work for the environment and community activity. Gardening no longer means continuous expensive and wasteful replacing of bedding plants, although they have their place; it is about sustainability and planting suited to local environments. It is about working for the environment with thought given to providing habitats for native wildlife. The floral contributions of businesses and residential front gardens are taken into account as is the activity of the local council. The state of the streets and street furniture and lack, or otherwise, of graffiti, are all assessed. The competition is about involving the whole community.
“There is great community action taking place in Sandown, often unnoticed. This should work well with the RHS theme for 2020 – ‘Grow Social’. The highly successful Bay CE School Community Kids has for many years demonstrated how community involvement can, and should, start at a young age, particularly with their links with the Briars Residential Home.
“We are fortunate in having Arc and The Common Space based in Sandown with their personal commitment to the area, their work on the Willow Walk trail, the Lost Duver project and coastal rewilding. The vertipools installed on groynes opposite Dinosaur Isle give Sandown a very special element”.
Deputy Chair, Ben Holbrook, has said:
“This isn’t just something you enter, you have to be nominated by your regional In Bloom, so it says a lot about what we have achieved already.
“We are hoping to build on our activities in 2019 by taking over responsibility for the circular flower bed in Ferncliff Gardens, by improving what we already do and by introducing floral planters in Sandown High Street. At the end of the day how well we do will depend on the support of local businesses, residents and the town council. Last year the judges stated that, “Sandown is on the Up!” Let’s keep it that way. We can all make a difference”.
