THE subject of the December meeting of Morchard Bishop Gardening Club, held in the Memorial Hall, was “Judging Britain in Bloom”.

Tom Sharples, a judge in the RHS Britain in Bloom competition, came to the Gardening Club to give an inspirational talk about this event. He began by citing a few examples of how communities can be galvanised to improve the local environment.

Indeed, in 2014, the Jubilee Year, the South West in Bloom Garden at Chelsea won not only a gold medal but also the Best in Show award in the Great Pavilion.

More down to earth examples included the reintroduction of the natural flora in a section of beach and the restoration of a 500-year-old hedge behind a row of terraced houses in Exeter.

These successful schemes have come about through the help of volunteers and demonstrate how communities can bind together to produce fabulous results.

Whilst horticultural achievement is of paramount importance in the judging, biodiversity and community participation are also valued. Some entries go for the “wow” factor.

Tom showed us some slides which illustrated this phenomenon most effectively. One town’s efforts centred on a zoological theme: floral constructions of elephants, hippos and fish made a stunning if somewhat curious impact.

Less inventive but nonetheless impressive planting schemes included floating ships and festooned bandstands.

Tom also explained how careful planning of the judges’ route throughout the community is needed to avoid mishaps. Exhibitors sometimes get a bit over-excited.

For instance, when told that the judges would not now be visiting her garden due to time restraints, one lady engaged in a bout of “fisticuffs” with the organiser. Some misadventures are harder to avoid, however.

At the end of the talk, members came up with examples of how Morchard Bishop already matched some of the criteria for entry to the competition.

We have the village school‘s kitchen garden (children being involved is highly valued in the judging), the thriving allotments, and the decorative planters at the Pound to name but a few examples.

It is hoped that the planted wheelbarrow and Wellington boot competition planned for the 2016 Flower Show will add further to the village’s blooming environment.

Karin Moffett