Public urged to make Ipswich blossom

GARDENERS from all walks of life are today being urged to make Ipswich blossom this summer.

Volunteers from Ipswich in Bloom are calling on schools, businesses, allotment holders and residents to submit applications to the horticultural competition before the June 30 deadline.

There are several categories, ranging from a hanging basket to a landscaped garden, ensuring anyone can show off their green-fingered handy work.

And this time round, the challenge has grown to a new level after the organisers decided to also enter the whole town into the Anglia in Bloom regional competition for the first time in a number of years.

Sue Andrews, treasurer of Ipswich in Bloom, said: “It has been extremely important that we involve as many different organisations so that our entry reflects the many activities that may be happening at any one time.

“There is no doubt that the efforts of community projects, the general awareness of public open spaces and the floral displays that are placed in the town centre by Ipswich Borough Council, all play their part in delighting the eye.”

The competitions form part of the Royal Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom campaign, which aims to encourage gardening in the community.

The Anglia in Bloom judges will be in Ipswich on Wednesday, July 8, when they will be escorted on a three-hour route through a variety of areas in the town.

Organisers practised part of that route, which will involve a two-hour ride on vintage bus, on Tuesday.

Judging for the Ipswich in Bloom competition will take place between July 13 and 17. For more information and to download an entry form, visit www.ipswichinbloom.co.uk. You can also get one from the Tourist Information Centre in St Stephen's Lane or Ipswich Borough Council's customer services department on The Cornhill.

Is enough being done to make Ipswich eye-catching? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk