Ooh la la! Plymouth in Bloom launches for 2013

Berets and baguettes at the ready, Plymouth in Bloom is being launched with a distinctly French feel for 2013.

This year the horticultural campaign will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Plymouth's twinning with Brest in France and the flagship Hoe front garden will be planted red, white and blue.

Plymouth in Bloom is a chance for gardeners, allotment holders, businesses and schools to help create a city ablaze with colour where communities work together to improve the outdoor environment. This year they can put their green fingers to work to enter a range of categories and have the option of embracing the French theme.

Plymouth in Bloom is run by Plymouth City Council's Street Scene team. There is also now a newly elected committee to give the community more input and control of the campaign.

Councillor Brian Vincent, Cabinet member for the Environment said: "Giving the Friends and community groups a greater say in how Plymouth in Bloom operates through the committee is part of us working as a co-operative Council. The strength of this competition is the enthusiasm it inspires in people across the city and I'm looking forward to 2013 being another exciting year."

Bernard Todkill, Chairman, Plymouth in Bloom committee said: "Our committee is made up of enthusiastic volunteers and we have lots of ideas about how to develop the In Bloom campaign and capitalise on its success for the benefit of our city and its residents. We'd like to see anyone with an interest in creating beautiful displays and gardens enter the competition."

There are a number of different categories people can enter including best garden, business, allotment and window box. Schools can get involved with the scarecrow making and wheelbarrow display competitions. The entries do not need to have a French theme. Categories are judged locally with an award ceremony in the autumn.

Please visit Plymouth in Bloom page for further details.