Edinburgh in Bloom

This year Edinburgh entered the Britain in Bloom 2011 Campaign.

What's it all about?

Britain in Bloom is a national environmental campaign run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) which presents awards to communities, of all different sizes, for their horticultural, community and environmental efforts.  Edinburgh earned the right to enter Britain in Bloom by winning the Beautiful Scotland regional heats last year.  

The Britain in Bloom judges visited Edinburgh in August 2011.  The trained volunteer judges were shown the most outstanding parts of the city and introduced to the key people who have made vital contributions to projects highlighted in the entry bid.

Judges take note of themes such as seasonal and permanent planting, but the awards are not just for the green-fingered. Sustainability, public participation and issues such as litter and graffiti are all taken into consideration. Entrants are also expected to show evidence of activity throughout the seasons.

The results

The Britain in Bloom awards were held in St Andrews on 25th September 2011. Edinburgh came away with its best ever awards haul. A Silver Gilt Medal for the city and two discretionary awards for "Sustainable Landscaping" for the grounds of Edinburgh Universities Pollock Halls and "Best Public Park" for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

The judges were impressed by the relaxed and friendly manner of the judging day, as well as the perfect timing of the route. They were especially impressed by the following projects and locations:

- The Royal Bank of Scotland Garden
- Duddingston Village Community Garden 
- Dunbar's Close Garden
- Anna Guest's (residential) Garden
- The City Chambers floral displays by the Council's Inch Nursery
- The Scottish Cafe Herb Bed in Princes St Gardens
- Pollock Halls Gardens
- Dr Neil's Garden
- The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - especially the new entrance features
- The Council's run eco-school 'BiodiverCity' competition and the edible hedge in Pilrig Park
- The conservation and volunteer projects in Holyrood Park
- The Environmental Warden fly posting initiative
- High standard of street furniture
- Local Heritage Conservation - 12 Monuments Project
- Cowgate Nursery
- The commitment of Essential Edinburgh to city centre improvements