National Gardening Week

Green fingered gardeners were out in force last week to celebrate National Gardening Week (11^th-17^th April 2016) as part of this year’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom campaign. Britain in Bloom is the UK’s largest community gardening campaign. The theme of this year’s Bloom campaign, Greening Grey Britain for Health and Happiness, will see community groups around the UK organising gardening activities to boost local health and wellbeing.

In Mid & East Antrim volunteers have been busy carrying out essential tree maintenance in the community orchard at Diamond Jubilee Wood, Whitehead and carrying out a Big Spring Clean at Carrickfergus Mill Ponds.

Mayor of Mid & East Antrim, Cllr Billy Ashe, said “I’d like to thank the volunteers for their hard work, these events are just a few of many which will be organised across the Borough to promote Mid and East Antrim in Bloom and the positive impact community gardening activities have on people’s health and wellbeing.”

“We encourage everyone who lives in the Borough to think about their local environment and how flowers, plants and gardens can enhance it for people and wildlife. By actively supporting our ‘In Bloom’ activities and competitions residents will not only make their garden, school or business more attractive but also assist Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s entry to the Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition and the Britain in Bloom Competition.” Councillor Ashe urged those keen to participate to stay updated via the Council’s website and social media.

Victoria Primary School Eco Club carrying out a Big Spring Clean for National Gardening Week