Witney In Bloom |

Welcome to Witney’s In Bloom page where you can follow the progress of our participation in the In Bloom initiative for 2023.

This year we entered Witney Lake and Country Park. We are using this first ever judging of this space to set a benchmark for future judging.

We submitted a portfolio showing all of the work that has taken place in the last year and a plan of action for future implementation. It also explores the schedule of maintenance and development work.

The valuable contribution made by volunteers and partner organisations is showcased along with the mutual benefits enjoyed by partnering.

The portfolio demonstrates how we meet the criteria used for judging.

Our Community Gardeners have been busy creating wonderful displays in the Community beds which we would encourage you to visit and enjoy. Their gardens are:

Burwell Community Gardeners – Off Burwell Drive
Edible Gardens – Langdale Court
Witney Horticultural Society – Langdale Court/Langdale Hall

Edible Gardens, vegetable bed in Langdale Court — Edible Gardens Veg bed in Langdale Court

Witney Horticultural Society bed in Langdale Court

This year Witney Horticultural Society and Edible Gardens entered the “It’s Your Neighbourhood” category, which is free to enter. They were visited by the Thames and Chilterns expert judges on 3rd July (the same day that the Lake judging took place).

The judges were very enthusiastic and the groups are now looking forward to feedback and a certificate.

The results for all our entries are due in September.

Here is an example certificate from a previous year

The Town Council has once again provided wheelbarrows to Witney Primary Schools and one guest wheelbarrow to a guest organisation – HomeStart.

The theme we asked them to plant to was ‘Food for Thought’- a meal of soup or salad in a barrow.

The barrows were duly were planted and maintained by the schoolchildren until we collected them at the end of June. Winners were chosen by the Mayor, the In Bloom judges, the Rotary Club and the final winner was selected at the Witney Carnival as the People’s Choice.

Click on the thumbnails below for full pictures of the winning barrows

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor with the Batt School Barrow – winner of the Mayor’s Choice

The In Bloom Judges with the Batt School Barrow which was also selected by them as the Judges Choice

Keith from Rotary with the Windrush Primary School barrow – winner of the Rotary prize

Peoples’ Choice being selected at Witney Carnival – won by St Mary’s School

The Mayor presenting the Batt School with the two awards – Mayor and Judges choice

Keith From Rotary presenting staff and children of Windrush Primary School with their award

The Mayor presented the Peoples’ Choice to St Mary’s Infant School

The barrows will now be displayed at the Leys throughout the summer. Please have a look if you are passing – they are very inventive and we are really proud of our clever schools.

Here are some handy resources for In Bloom groups, if you are thinking of getting involved.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/britain-in-bloom/resources/

Official Site of Witney Town Council