Editor's choice September 2006

Flower Power

Once again Balsall Heath has shown how hard work and determination can lead to national recognition through the Britain in Bloom competition. This year like the previous two years Balsall Heath achieved the prestigious Silver Gilt award. With help from volunteers, Schools, pupils and staff at the Balsall Heath Forum, the judges who inspected the area earlier in the summer were treated to a better than ever display of colourfully planted parks, gardens, schools and plant boxes.

Head Gardener Joe Amatellio along with his team at the Balsall Heath Forum started the ball rolling for this year’s entry by constructing additional plant boxes, which raised the number to well over 50. In addition to these, a number of sites within Balsall Heath’s green spaces were also used for the 10,000 bedding plants that were planted this year.

Pat Wing who coordinated the Balsall Heath entry said, “This is a tremendous achievement for the neighbourhood and reflects some remarkable work that has been done by schools and residents. Next year we would appreciate more help to move from Silver Gilt to Gold”.

The work carried out to enter Balsall Heath into the Britain in Bloom competition is only part of the story. Throughout the year, work is undertaken to provide colourful displays during the different seasons. With the summer season nearly over, work has already begun for the spring, with over 2 tons of spring bulbs having already been planted. In additional 5,000 winter plants will be planted to provide a further seasonal display.

As ever the judges for the competition were impressed by the efforts that are always made by the community to maintain the displays and went on to commend the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Balsall Heathans in the adoption of confused spaces. The judges were further impressed by the post tornado redevelopment, Tindal School wildlife garden and the enthusiasm of local resident Edna Shaw. Following the announcement Edna stated “It’s another marvellous achievement for Balsall Heath”. Edna went on to thank all of her neighbours who helped water hanging baskets throughout the summer.