Last updated 34 minutes ago
A team of have-a-go gardeners from the Scottish Borders, who got together with the aim of brightening up their town, say they’re “absolutely thrilled” to be recognised at this year’s Britain in Bloom awards.
Lauder in Bloom struck Gold for Scotland in the Large Village category at the event, which is dubbed the Oscars of the gardening world.
Anne Lillico is one of a team of around 16 volunteers who give up their time to spruce up the area. She told Greatest Hits Radio: “I joined last year when I retired as something to fill my time, and also to give back to the community I live in.
“This year we’ve done a couple of new displays – a boat down at the Burgh Mill corner, and a lovely rundell feature which has tidied up a very muddy circle we had in the town.”
It’s hoped the accolade will encourage more visitors to stop and explore the Royal Burgh, which straddles the A68.
Anne added: “We get tremendous support and encouragement from our own community, which is fantastic and really appreciated. But to have our work recognised by Britain in Bloom is simply wonderful, and something we’ll be talking about for a long time!”
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Bath were crowned overall winners of the event in Manchester – 60 years after taking the top prize in the inaugural competition, which is organised by the Royal Horticultural Society; the UK’s leading gardening charity.
Darren Share, Chair of the RHS Britain in Bloom judges, said: “Huge congratulations to all finalists of the 2024 Britain in Bloom competition, especially in this milestone 60th anniversary year.
“Each group demonstrated the creativity, hard work, and commitment to sustainability that Britain in Bloom has championed for six decades. It is wonderful to see the passion and dedication of these hardworking groups in bringing together communities across the UK and make a lasting impact on our local environments.”
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