Run by charity Natural Jersey under the professional auspices of the Royal Horticultural Society, assessment of the six entries for Parish in Bloom was undertaken by RHS judges Rae Beckwith, from the UK and John Woodward, from Guernsey. Entries came from St Brelade, St Helier, St Saviour, St Clement, St Martin and newcomer Trinity.
Impressed with the standard of commitment, as well as horticultural achievement and environmental responsibility seen on their tour, Mr Beckwith said that Jersey was the first area to use new criteria and categories which were likely to be rolled out in areas through the UK. The next area was likely to be Cumbria as the wheels were already in motion.
Mr Beckwith explained that it was no longer just about pretty floral arrangements as there was also great emphasis on the environment. ‘The key factor is people and their passion – without them it would not happen. It is something people of all ages can get involved with,’ he said, describing the achievements and effort he had seen in Jersey as ‘very special and humbling’.
