Chipping In Bloom
A Ribble Valley village is celebrating after being selected as a finalist in a prestigious, national competition
The beautiful village of Chipping has reached the finals of the 2024 Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom competition. Chipping is one of eight finalists in the village category to be selected from across the UK.
The Ribble Valley village will welcome national judges in the summer and if they become category winner, they then compete to be named overall winner in what is the 60th anniversary year of the UK’s biggest community gardening competition.
Chair of Chipping in Bloom, Helen Lear, says the whole village is thrilled by the news: “We have about 15 regular In Bloom members but also many more volunteers, schools, churches and local businesses who help by looking after planted areas, putting out floral displays or helping on community action days. It’s truly a whole village effort and a great way to grow friendships!”
Chipping in Bloom involves people of all ages and backgrounds and it’s a way for people to get involved in their community.
Helen adds: “Churches, local businesses and residents also use our annual planting theme for their own gardens or plant pots, and local school children are involved in our wildlife and wild flower projects.
“We plant in sympathy with local needs, conditions and climate – native wild-flowers, butterfly and bee-friendly plants, plus sensory and edible plants in public spaces. We have installed bird boxes, mini-beast hotels and ladybird shelters around the village and take pride in the St Mary’s Community Wildlife Garden. We give nature a hand, and make the village look great at the same time.”
Villagers have also helped with plant sales, seed swaps, craft events and the Chipping in Bloom Group has entered local festivals and organised special planting events.
Kay Clark, RHS Community Development Manager, said: “While planting trends may change and environmental practices evolve, the belief that plants and communal green spaces are important for creating healthy and happy communities endures. Britain in Bloom groups across the UK work to enhance the local environment, share skills and knowledge, and create opportunities to improve local wellbeing.
“In this special anniversary year, we’ve chosen the theme of friendship, to highlight the way in which community gardening can bring people together and enrich lives.”
