July - Judging Day!

On Tuesday 3^rd July, West Farleigh was visited by Peter Mountford and Jim Buttress who judged our efforts for this years South and South East in Bloom competition. (Earlier in the summer they had been judging RHS Chelsea!)

We produced a presentation for them detailing our route round the village with pictures and updates to address each of their marking criteria. Starting at The Tickled Trout we stopped at focal points along the way to meet people who had contributed to the team effort. First up was the bench opposite Smiths Hall with their wonderful new planters. We informed the judges about the sunflower competition in the village and explained our planting theme at the public areas was to always try to include some sunflowers there as well. We visited the island at the bottom of Ewell Lane which 1 of our kind volunteers had mended after a vehicle had driven straight across it earlier in the spring. Next stop was the Green where we met another 4 villagers, then the telegraph pole support for multiple sunflowers and the bench by Dandelion Time. We admired the planters outside Oliver North House and met more fellow ‘Bloomers’ at the bottom of Charlton Lane where more planters have been cared for. Up to the junction with Kettle Lane and the welcome to West Farleigh signs that are underplanted on the grass with another contributor who was able to tell the judges what a team effort we have made. Our final stop was at the Church to admire the Little Angels toddler groups planting and the arrangements of flowers inside.

The criteria of judging is Horticultural, Environmental and Community, however we wont find out our result until September. We have had a core group of 14 people this year and I’m sure we will gain high marks in the community section. We would like to continue the group so if you have an interest to join us you are very welcome. It has been very enjoyable this year with many new friendships made.

Sunflower Update: Tallest sunflower measurements have now happened. Best display will be judged on 26^th July by the LifeLine ‘this month in the garden’ editor, Jon Fenlon. All winners to be announced after that date.