CUMBRIA in Bloom officials are travelling around Cumbria as part of their three weeks of judging the horticultural displays. 

The Cumbria in Bloom and Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) It's Your Neighbourhood assessments for 2022 are underway.

Cumbria in Bloom administrator Liz Auld said: "The Cumbria in Bloom Judges are visiting schools gardening entries before the end of term and are delighted to be looking at all five categories in many cases – edible, decorative features, environmental, sensory/quiet and container.  

"Many of the schools have also entered projects in the biodiversity, small woodland copse, and Queen’s Jubilee Special Category awards. 

"The schools involved are very widespread in all areas of Cumbria.  Schools Gardening is thriving."

Visits for the main Cumbria in Bloom competition for villages and towns start this week on July 6 in Dalston with judging taking place in Ulverston, Kendal, Appleby, Bootle, Irthington, Whitehaven and Workington from Monday, July 11. 

Judging and assessment cover gardening and horticultural activity, consideration of the environment and community participation with differing emphasis placed depending on what is being looked at.  

Liz added: "The main message is for everyone to have Pride in the Community and Environment. Time given voluntarily by all our Cumbrian judges is much appreciated – secretly they love doing it unless it is horizontal rain on the day."

Judges will complete their visits to the gardens for the Cumbria in Bloom 2022 competition on July 16 before deciding on the winners. Training is provided for anyone with an interest in gardening and horticulture who would like to be a judge for the Cumbria in Bloom 2023 competition.