Maidenhead & Windsor

There’s an additional challenge for Maidenhead Royal Borough gardeners in this year’s popular Garden in Bloom competition with another long hot summer in prospect – water conservation!

Maidenhead Green-fingered enthusiasts taking part in this year’s award scheme are being urged to notch up extra “brownie” points by putting water conservation at the top of their priorities and using plants which can survive on less water than traditional garden species.

Cllr Jesse Grey, lead member for Maidenhead community safety, leisure and culture, said this week: “Even though the long-standing hosepipe ban has currently been lifted, the signs are that we are in for another long hot summer – which poses considerable challenges for gardeners everywhere.

“This year’s Garden in Bloom competition gives gardeners a great opportunity to try something different – and consider using plants which can survive on less water.

“During extremes of hot weather we all need to think very carefully about how we use water more efficiently – and here’s an opportunity for our gardeners to lead by example – while still creating gardens for the rest of us to enjoy. I’m sure you’ll all be up to the challenge!”

Advice on water conservation from Maidenhead Royal Borough landscape officers is available on this year’s Garden in Bloom leaflets available from the Town Hall, York House in Windsor, leisure centres and libraries and includes:

· keep soil free of weeds
· conserve root moisture by adding a layer of mulch or hard fill such as gravel or slate chips
· dig in well-rotted organic matter when planting
· always water plants in the evening to reduce evaporation loss – and water around plant roots and not over foliage
· plant trees, shrubs, climbers and perennials in autumn, reducing the need for watering and giving plants greater chance to establish
· store rain water in water butts or large tanks
· use grey water ie washing up and bath water.

Now in its 15th successful year, Maidenhead Garden in Bloom acknowledges the important contribution private front gardens make to the appearance of towns and villages – and organisers are urging residents to nominate either their own or neighbours front gardens for consideration in the scheme.

Judging takes place during June and July on a ward-by-ward basis, with ward councillors nominating a winner and runner-up in each of the borough’s 23 wards.

They will be judging the gardens on design and impact, originality, the variety of plants, maintenance of the garden and any special features such as bird boxes and bird tables which add extra dimensions to the garden.

Winners and runners-up in each ward will go forward to the borough-wide Garden in Bloom competition, with one garden selected as the overall winner.

Nomination forms are available on the Garden in Bloom leaflets and on the Royal Borough website at www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/landev_Garden_In_Bloom_Awards.htm. Closing date for nominations is Friday July 13. A special awards ceremony will be held in the autumn.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead