East Midlands in Bloom (EMIB) is an annual competition organised by the EMIB Regional Committee and is one of the 18 regions which compromise Britain in Bloom, a campaign organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Loughborough won Gold in the Small City category, with the University playing an important role as a key civic partner. The University is included on the judges’ annual route, providing an opportunity to showcase the work of our University Gardens team.
This year, the team made a number of changes to the historic Walled Garden, including introducing lavender beds along the central pathway, with sweet peas and cosmos creating a focal point at the centre. The beds along the south wall were also renovated as part of an ongoing programme to renew the garden’s planting.
The East Midlands in Bloom judges particularly praised the horticultural excellence demonstrated by University gardeners Sarah Greenwood and Tom Marecki, highlighting their work in raising standards across the gardens.
Rich Fenn Griffin, Deputy Ground Manager for Gardens, commented: “I knew we had made a good impression on the judges when a photo of the Walled Garden was displayed during the presentation of Loughborough’s award. The judges were very complimentary about the team’s ambitions and the contribution of the University to the town’s 'in Bloom' success.”