Editor's choice October 2011

October 2011 Balsall Heathan

The annual Balsall Heath entry in the national Britain in Bloom competition produced a much-deserved Silver Gilt award for this year’s entry. Every year a section of Balsall Heath’s community provides the judges with a stunning display of creativity and colour. This year was no exception and provided a further example of why Balsall Heath leads the way in community participation. This year the seven streets area became the main focus for the team based at Balsall Heath Forum.

Sowing the seeds for success starts early and this year the Balsall Heath team used a different strategy in an attempt to get a broader range of plants. Through buying in more quality plants rather than growing them from an earlier stage the team were able to expand their number of self-watering hanging baskets to 200, which were placed throughout the neighbourhood. In addition several three tier displays were set up in the judging area. As well as hanging baskets, the staple for all Britain in Bloom entrys there were also over 50 sites consisting of wooden planters and shrub beds throughout the area.

Since Balsall Heath took up the challenge of Britain In Bloom the number of residents who now join in with terrific floral displays has grown repeatedly each year. Now the gardening competition run by the Balsall Heath Britain In Bloom team has more and more entrants and the results are there for everyone to see. As one of the official Britian In Bloom judges commented when they came during the summer, “What a wonderful display of colour, absolutely marvellous”.

Each year approximately 10,000 plants are put out in the neighbourhood and the Balsall Heath Forum along with teams of volunteers work on turning overgrown gardens and confused spaces into attractive areas.

Britain In Bloom Coordinator for Balsall Heath Pat Wing said of the award, “I would like to say thank you to everyone involved in the Balsall Heath in Bloom entry for this year. We did exceptionally well to get silver gilt. There was involvement from schools, residents and local businesses. Next year we will again strive to get that gold medal.”