1 April 2013

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

EAST Grinstead in Bloom was formed in the early 90s by the Town Council to be a community-led initiative.

Residents whose gardens received an award in the Front Garden competition were invited to join the group, which is how chairman Julie Mockford became involved in 1995.

Their projects for this year include:

• The Compass Garden at Mount Moddy, Hurst Farm pond and the Millennium Garden which are all It’s Your Neighbourhood projects
• Work at the East Grinstead train station on a new wildflower meadow and hedgerow planting on the upper level of the new station car park.
• Liaising with the Bluebell Railway to enhance the entrance to the steam railway’s new station with hanging baskets and planters.
• Working with the local schools to encourage them to use their grounds for the benefit of the pollinators.
• Forging links with local companies to further enhance the town environment, such as the Caravan Club’s sponsorship of the Compass Garden.

But Bloom chairman Julie Mockford would like to see more residents involved in making the town a more attractive place for everyone to enjoy.

“It would be wonderful to get more local residents involved with East Grinstead in Bloom,” she said. “There are so many wonderful gardens around the town that  we know there are some very talented gardeners out there, and their knowledge and skills would be welcomed.

“But there are some community areas around the town which are in need of tidying up, and this gives us possible areas for new projects.

“So what we would really like is for residents to nominate an area local to them for improvement, then join us to fulfil their wishes.

“With backing from the town, district or county councils we can help residents improve their local areas.”

Photo credits:

High Street in bloom by Simon Kerr

Hanging baskets by Bob Mainstone