Claygate in Bloom
October 2024
There is a correction to the report in the last week's mailing (and also in the latest edition of The Courier) about the wooden tubs.
The new tubs were funded by Elmbridge Borough Council’s high street improvements fund. This is supported by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Cllr Mary Marshall initiated the application to the fund which was supported by Cllr Mike Rollings and Cllr Alex Coomes. Cllr Marshall also made a personal donation towards plants and compost.
The CVA has been involved with maintaining and improving our public green spaces for many years, including redesigning The Green in 1986. In 2007 we were persuaded to enter the national "In Bloom" competition and the environment committee became Claygate in Bloom. We entered for three consecutive years, each year completing projects to improve the village and involving community participation. We won a silver award in 2007 and silver gilt (just short of gold) in both 2008 and 2009.
This was great fun but a huge amount of work and after three years we felt we had completed the obvious projects. The highway flowerbeds that we created or improved have mostly been adopted by Claygate Parish Council. We are still responsible for two and are happy to work on any of them when needed.
However, our army of volunteers has dwindled and we would be delighted to hear from anyone who can contribute energy and enthusiasm to keep our green spaces looking good.
Five very different gardens were entered into the Best Front Garden Competition this summer. This made it difficult to judge and the results were close. The eventual winner was 1 Garden Villas, The Causeway; and the cup was presented to Aroha Uea at the Flower Show.
The competition, which is held every year, is organised and judged by the Claygate in Bloom committee and volunteers. Thank you to all entrants - and to everyone who looks after a front garden which enhances our village.
Volunteers have been busy again this summer watering the tubs that brighten the pavements in the village. Several of the containers are ageing, falling apart and need replacing. The CVA is grateful to Elmbridge Borough Councillor Mary Marshall, who has donated some of her councillor’s funds to provide seven new ones.
The new tubs have been delivered, but replacing them is time-consuming. It involves removing the plants and soil and the bricks that are below the soil, and then putting everything back into the new tub. The whole operation takes about an hour and is easier with three people. Anyone who could spare an hour to help replace one is asked to email claygateresidents@gmail.com
We're looking for Claygate's Best Front Garden!
An annual competition for the Best Front Garden has been run for many years and the winner's cup awarded at the Flower Show. Since 2007 it has been organised by Claygate in Bloom.
Nominations are open now. You can put forward your own garden or someone else's. All gardens must be in Claygate and visible from the road or pavement.
To nominate a garden please email the details to claygateresidents@gmail.com by Wednesday 26th June [2024]. A photo would be appreciated.
