Paul Corfield gave us an interesting slide show showing villages and towns which had entered the Anglia in Bloom competition. There are 10 categories including small villages, villages and large villages, small cities (eg Norwich) and urban areas (eg Norwich Lanes). Paul's slides included some displays outside the area (Bridgenorth) but most were taken in Anglia - Fornham, Bury St Edmunds, Norwich. He emphasised the use of height in display tubs such as the addition of a phormium or canna. Hanging baskets and grouped tubs enhance the central shopping areas, while flower beds in park gardens add to the attractiveness of the overall scheme. The main plants used are busy lizzies, verbena, begonia and geranium (pelargonium) but today there are many other varieties which can add to the overall colour. Marigolds for example are very varied and bright, and those which don't set seed are easy to keep attractive by dead heading.
Paul stressed that one of the most important functions of Anglia in Bloom is to bring communities together. Young and old are encouraged to take an active part in designing and maintaining the scheme. Wildlife should be included in the plans where possible, and even wild flower meadows. Judges are willing to advise and support.We all agreed Paul's talk was most inspiring and many of us resolved to visit places entering Anglia in Bloom this year.
Dates for your diary
Next Meeting
Stephen Pope will tell us about a Year on a Victorian Farm. 9th March at Cringleford Church Hall at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome £2