What's Happening in Uxbridge, England…

Gardeners in Stockley Business Park near Hayes received praise at a recent event in Wales.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) gave the gardeners of Hillingdon a medal at the Britain in Bloom finals. The gold medal will be celebrated by those who work at local nature reserves and green spaces. Newsletter printing from Hayes may be used to record achievements. Television presenter James Alexander-Sinclair, a designer of gardens, hosted the Llandudno-based ceremony.

The RHS rated Hillingdon highly within the category for large urban areas. The planting near the town hall was admired, while the display outside the Eastcote tube station was praised. Stockley Park gardens and various allotments also won the attention of the judges. Green Flag areas were really important in influencing the panel. The collective entry was honoured for its high standard.

The RHS judges avoided arbitrary decisions by using three criteria. They based their thinking on examples of horticultural achievement, evidence of community participation and the principle of environmental sustainability.

Participants in the contest put in over a million plants. Trees and bulbs were particularly popular choices. The result was that ordinary people gained from living in a pleasant environment which enhanced their health and wellbeing.

Britain in Bloom has been going for over half a century. The current vision is that it will obtain its first television coverage next year. The programme will be featured on the BBC. Viewers will be able to follow the twists of the competition from their armchairs.