Sodbury in Bloom first entered the South West in Bloom competition in 2010 winning a Silver
Award plus the Award for the most promising newcomer. The Team went on to win a number of
Gold awards and the cup for best in its category.
For the last few years, we have focussed on looking after the planters round the town
centre, the Community Orchard, the Community Garden, the boat generously donated by
Chipping Sodbury Yacht Club, the Millennium Garden (on the corner of St John’s Way). We
also work with residents and business owners to co-ordinate the hanging baskets on the
high street.
As well as our own planters we look after the Town Council’s planters. It’s a lot of hard work
but we think the results are worth it and hope you do too. We are extremely grateful to
Bob Janes for all his effort in watering them every day for three months.
You may have noticed that the planting has evolved over the years. We are using more
sustainable planting so that we don’t have to replant planters every year and throw away
the bedding plants. We are gradually replacing most of our planting in this way although we
shall still add some bedding plants for colour. The new planters all have reservoirs which
means that they don’t need watering as often and the ones at the ends of the benches are
made from recycled plastic. We are trying very hard to be more environmentally friendly.
Money is always tight and we are grateful to everyone who has given us a grant or donation.
We have recently started a sponsorship scheme for the maintenance of some of the
planters which has been very successful. We also have a quiz once a year to raise some
funds.
New members are always welcome as there seems to be more to do every year. If you
would like to come and join us, we would love to meet you. We are a friendly bunch and
usually end our work sessions with tea, or coffee, and cake. You can get in touch via our Contact Page.