About
Storrington in bloom was first established by the community organisation Greenfingers who planted lamp post planters in the village. More recently since 2012 Storrington in Bloom has grown to include many more people and local organisations, all of whom want to improve our village environment.
We work closely with the Horticultural Society, Conservation Society, Allotment Association, Greenfingers, Friends of Meadowside, Business Breakfast Group, together with our Parish and District Councils.
Our Aims
Through horticultural projects we aim:-
- To promote a sense of community wellbeing in Storrington
- To help to reduce antisocial behaviour
- To promote local businesses
What we do
To achieve these aims we create an annual action plan and divide projects and tasks, then liaise with many other people and organisations to deliver them:
- We carry out our own practical projects such as weeding, digging, growing plants from seeds and planting them, village clear-ups and litter picking all year round.
- We erect planter displays on the lamp posts, plant shrubs in public areas, maintain a shop window display and grow and plant wild flowers.
- We enter Storrington in the Small Town category of the South and South East in Bloom competition, prepare the portfolio and host the judges on judging day.
- We organise the annual Storrington In Bloom competition and coordinate other initiatives, such as the 2014 Wheelbarrow Challenge.
- We jointly work with our local schools, youth groups, local business, councils and other organisations to continuously improve the appearance of the village.
- We enjoy the support and participation in our work of sponsors including Squires Garden Centre, Village Nurseries, The Village Florist and Waitrose.
Funding
Using our action plan we approach statutory and commercial sources for grants and sponsorship.
The Parish and District Councils give us small grants for the specific projects, the local shopkeepers and traders contribute to the cost of the High Street displays ans we organise all kinds of fundraising events to add to the funds.
What it pays for
It buys the plants for the main planting displays, the tubs, the watering cart, printing of posters, cost of inspection for some of the items such as lamp post displays, and other essential equipment to produce the colourful displays.
What can you do to help and how can you join?
We are always in need of people who are keen to grow, plant and generally get their hands dirty!
We welcome new ideas for improving the displays and also raising funds to develop them further.
We need people who have good links with the local schools and youth groups, as it is important to involve children and young people in this area – they are gardeners of tomorrow!
Storrington In Bloom local competition
Each year local residents, traders and societies are invited to enter our Storrington In Bloom awards which are sponsored by local businesses.
Categories include:
- Allotmants
- Business Window Display
- Business External Floral Display
- Community Areas
- Front Garden
- Youth Group Challenge
Judging takes place during June and early July and a selection of entrants are included, together with other points of interest in the tour which we take the South and South East in Bloom judges on in mid-July
During September we host an awards ceremony to announce the winners. Judges vary depending on category, some are voted by the public, others by experts in the field.
