Hillingdon scoops horticultural award

Hillingdon has scooped the prestigious Silver-Gilt award in the 2014 Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom competition. The borough was chosen from 1,000 entrants from across the country to take part in the competition, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The borough’s entry is coordinated by Hillingdon Council and this summer two RHS judges met officers from the council’s Green Spaces team, community representatives and went on a tour of local projects. The results were announced at an awards ceremony in Bristol on Thursday, 16 October, which was attended by representatives of all 74 finalists. Hillingdon was also awarded Gold status and overall winner in the Large City category at the London in Bloom Awards in September. Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services at Hillingdon Council said: “It is a great achievement to win this award and I am delighted to have achieved Silver-Gilt. “We were one of only two London boroughs to be selected for this competition and I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this success. Our green spaces team work very hard, and so do all the volunteers and community groups that help us to achieve a bright and beautiful borough.” The story of Britain in Bloom began in 1964 when the tourist board wanted a way to market the country through floral displays. Since the RHS took over as the organising body in 2001, the focus of the campaign has widened to include helping the environment, strengthening communities and inspiring more people to get involved. For more information on RHS Britain in Bloom, visit www.rhs.org.uk/communities. Do you have a garden that is worthy of an award? If so contact nicholas@mynewsmag.co.uk