The results of this year’s South and South East in Bloom competition have been announced and tops off 30 years of Farnham in Bloom.

Judges awarded Farnham in Bloom Gold in the Large Town category, Gold in the Town Centre category, Gold for Badshot Lea Cemetery and Gold for Gostrey Meadow which Farnham Town Council has been managing for less than a year. To complete the collection of awards, Farnham received Silver Gilt for West Street Cemetery and, the Victoria Garden and space2grow won Outstanding in the It’s Your Neighbourhood category.

Councillor Sally Dickson, Lead Member for Farnham in Bloom says: “This year was probably one of the most challenging in Farnham in Bloom’s 30-year history, so I am delighted with the result which belongs to our wonderful volunteers, amazing community, fantastic sponsors and outside workforce who put in extra socially-distanced effort during lockdown. Everybody worked really hard to make Farnham bloom this year and to bring a bit of floral cheer to people’s day to day lives.

“Although we were unable to welcome the judges in person, we were able to show them exactly what we had been up to with a special video celebrating 30 years of Farnham in Bloom plus a set of colourful portfolios showing our work in the town centre, surrounding villages and cemeteries over the past year.”

While many of the planned thirtieth anniversary celebrations had to be put on hold, Farnham Town Council adapted its programme of activities so that the community could still get involved. Events included a children’s challenge to build a Lego garden as well as the annual Secret Gardens, allotment competitions and a commemorative VE Day arts and crafts activity.

Councillor Sally Dickson adds: “Many people rediscovered their gardens during lockdown and the joy of being outside. Gardening is a wonderful mindful pastime that is great for our wellbeing and I hope even more people will be inspired to get involved in Farnham in Bloom 2021.

Farnham in Bloom is supported by Corporate sponsor The Farnham Institute Charity and a number of local businesses. As well as planting 26,000 plants and creating 200 hanging baskets, Farnham in Bloom has also been responsible for providing 40 statement planters to soften the town centre pavement widening scheme.

For an insight into Farnham in Bloom over the past 30 years, watch the In Bloom celebration video.