Petworth in Bloom

The Petworth in Bloom team entered the RHS Britain in Bloom competition for the third year running, having taken the Silver Gilt last year and were hoping to build on that success and go one step further.

And after numerous months of hard work and preparation, Petworth has been awarded the cherished Gold that they had targeted.

Congratulations go to all of the wonderful team of volunteers who despite the corona virus, lockdown, drought, and social distancing, continued to plant up troughs and hanging baskets all-round the town.

To commemorate V.E.Day there are patriotic colours of red, white and blue, and residents and businesses have been encouraged to plant up too, in colours of their choosing. Anything that could make Petworth Bloom!

During the height of lockdown, the ‘In Bloom’ team felt that people needed somewhere to visit, however small, to cheer and give hope, helping to make sense of our everchanging world. Larger schemes planned for this year were postponed and the team concentrated on smaller areas. New planters have been added in the centre of town and additional plants to Rosemary Gardens, which has been weeded and cared for throughout. Sadly, the plants at the war memorial died during the drought and lockdown, it has now been completely replanted and provides a focus for visitors to Petworth House, the Park and St Mary’s Church.

Due to the virus, there was no judges’ visit in person, no presentation or tour round town so we were asked to adapt and rethink how we best presented Petworth’s entry. Therefore, our submission to the competition has been sent digitally. An amazing 360-degree panoramic tour, (viewable here: https://www.360panoramicvirtualtours.com/portfolio-petworth.html, highlighting the various zones and illustrating the planting that offers a digital enhancement of the currently impossible in-person walk around the town.

The Petworth Town entry also included written evidence explaining the different areas, their planting strategies, the community involvement, and a monthly activities calendar illustrating how In Bloomers work throughout the year.

Particular mentions should go to both Patricia Hewlett and Jean Orrow for working so hard to gather all this together ready for the submission date and to 360PanoramicVirtualTours.com for offering their services as a promotion.

We look forward to celebrating this fantastic achievement when government guidelines allow.