In Bloom is a competition which judges gardening displays in the community. It began in 1964 and is run by The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Our In Bloom awards
We have 4 townships which all enter the North West in Bloom competition. These townships are Rochdale, Heywood, Middleton and Pennines. All our townships have won a number of North West in Bloom awards.
The finalists from the North West in Bloom competition get entered into Britain in Bloom. We were entered into Britain in Bloom for the first time in 2018.
Volunteer with In Bloom in the borough
Contact the area you're interested in volunteering in to find out how to get involved.
In Bloom has inspired an increasing number of volunteer organisations to take up the clean and green challenge. Volunteers come from every corner of the borough with representatives from 4-94 years old.
Among the volunteers in Rochdale are primary and secondary schools, community groups, charities, friends groups, as well as individuals who brighten up their streets and businesses.
Previous displays for In Bloom in the borough
Some of the borough's previous In Bloom entries have included:
- Wildflower gardens
- Orchards
- Green play areas
- War memorials
- Pop up displays
We work with communities in all 4 townships in our blossoming borough to brighten up neighbourhoods and create these scenic and inspiring displays. We have a big part to play in the environmental quality of the entries. For example with grass cutting, shrub and hedge maintenance and general cleanliness.
The competition isn't just about what we can do as a council. We also look to support and enter community-led projects into the competition which show the pride many businesses and residents have in their local area. If you'd like to get involved, find out how to volunteer in the section above.
When and how In Bloom displays are judged
Gardening experts from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) visit the borough in July and August every year.
They visit our public spaces and natural spaces, such as parks, town centres, communal gardens, wildflower meadows and conservation areas.
RHS score these areas on a comprehensive range of factors, including:
- Horticultural achievement
- Community participation
- Environmental responsibility
- Recycling and waste management
- Condition of street furniture
- How much young people are aware of and engaged with In Bloom
Why we take part in the In Bloom awards
We enter the borough into the In Bloom awards to celebrate the success of our communities.
In Bloom is about much more than just planting nice flowers. The competition allows communities to work together to improve and care for their neighbourhood. It aims to increase the number of people involved in gardening and horticulture while also educating people around sustainability and the environment.
