Anglia in Bloom Virtual Awards 2021
Redbourn in Bloom entered all 10 categories, with 2 projects entered for 2 of these categories and 3 "It's Your Neighbourhood" projects. A total of 15 entries! Here are the results:
​
​
Redbourn won a Silver Gilt Award in the Small Towns Category
​
​
Wildlife/Wildflower category:
​
The Forest Tots' Bug Hotel at St Mary's Church was the overall winner!
​
​
It's Your Neighbourhood category:
​
Fish Street Approach - Silver Gilt
​
The Tom, Dick & Harry Allotments - Silver
​
New Forge Place - Silver
​
​
Further details of all of our entries are below:
​
SPRING PLANTING DISPLAY – HIGH ST. REDBOURN
Redbourn in Bloom plants displays twice yearly in beds, planters and hanging baskets along the High Street. A committee member chooses the colour scheme. Volunteers plant and regularly weed and dead-head. This was our display of tulips and wallflowers in Spring 2021.
SUMMER BEDDING DISPLAY
We plant up all our beds and planters twice yearly. A committee member chooses the colour scheme, this summer deep red, orange, blue and white; marigolds, phormium, ageratum, bacopa, helichrysum and calibrachoa. Plants and compost come from our local garden centre. Volunteers plant, weed and deadhead regularly.
SUSTAINABLE PLANTING - CUMBERLAND GARDENS
Given to Redbourn via a planning agreement, a quiet oasis and place to rest between the High Street and Medical Centre. Originally planted by the Parish Clerk and volunteers, Redbourn in Bloom members have recently added more shrubs, climbers and bulbs to increase colour. The lawn is used for village events.
SUSTAINABLE PLANTING - REDBOURN PARISH CENTRE
Redbourn Parish Centre was opened in 2011. The garden was planted by the clerk, councillors and Redbourn in Bloom volunteers, and is maintained by the Parish Council. Now mature, with colourful shrubs, bulbs and perennials it provides a small quiet seating area for centre users and passers-by.
SPECIAL FEATURE -
PORTICO AT THE
REDBOURN MUSEUM
Portico, rescued from Redbourn House, former home of the Bowes Lyons, forms an enchanting entrance to secret garden beyond. To recognize its royal heritage, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother roses are planted either side. A yew hedge with disabled access surrounds the garden. Financed by parishioners, tended by volunteers.
SPECIAL FEATURE -
THE PUDDINGSTONE BED
Early in 2021 our flowerbed at the Harpenden entrance to Redbourn featuring a large Hertfordshire Puddingstone needed revitalising for greater impact. Bloom volunteers removed existing plants and planned and chose new ones, sponsored by local businesses. It’s now a colourful mixture of shrubs, perennials and annuals for all year interest.
HANGING BASKETS
Colour scheme coordinated with High Street summer bedding. Plants chosen and purchased by Redbourn in Bloom: geraniums, begonias, helichrysum and calibrachoa. Planted and cared for by pupils aged 11-14 at St. Luke’s School. Sixteen baskets on display in the High Street and at Redbourn Library. Watering paid for by Redbourn Parish Council.
PUBLIC SPACE - THE MOOR
The Moor, part of the Common, is maintained by Redbourn Parish Council. The River Red, a chalk stream, flows through it and is one of the River Ver’s tributaries. It contains reeds and bulrushes, and is possibly the derivation of “Redbourn” – “the reedy-stream”. Mature weeping willows provide welcome shade.