TOP CLASS community gardening will be celebrated virtually this year.

The Royal Horticultural Society will celebrate gardening across the UK through the RHS Community Awards, a new virtual competition to replace the RHS Britain in Bloom UK Finals competition for 2021.

It is the first time in 57 years of Britain in Bloom history that it has been forced to go virtual.

The virtual awards ceremony will see community groups recognised for their efforts.

Last year saw nine in every ten groups carry on gardening maintaining green spaces and harnessing their skills to help others, from growing food to lifting people spirits via imaginative planting displays - all in spite of the popular competition being cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Penrith volunteers grew crops for food parcels and in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire, plants and gardening tools were delivered to care home residents. A total of 63 groups will participate across five categories having been nominated by one of the 16 Britain in Bloom UK regions and nations.

Entrants range from Truro, Britain in Bloom winner in 2018, to groups such as Gosfield, Essex, that are first-timers on the national stage.

Groups will submit evidence digitally in up to three award categories to a panel of Bloom and RHS horticultural, wildlife and environmental experts.

Kay Clark, RHS Community Development Manager said: “We’ve been truly inspired by the creativity and ingenuity that volunteers have shown throughout the pandemic, supporting their communities while observing the social distancing rules. While we’re not able to run the Britain in Bloom UK Finals competition this year, the RHS Community Awards will shine a light on groups’ fantastic efforts during a challenging time.”

Cumbria’s entrants are:

Dalston in Bloom

Cumbria

Kirkoswald

Cumbria

Penrith Town Council

Cumbria

Ulverston in Bloom

Cumbria

Workington

The results of the RHS Community Awards, including the most outstanding entries in each category, will be announced at the end of September with all participants receiving certificates.

For more information about RHS Britain in Bloom and to search for community gardening groups in your area please visit: www.rhs.org.uk/communities/find-a-group-search-form