BRITAIN IN Bloom judges visited Comrie yesterday as part of this year’s UK finalist tour. Local organisers made sure the town’s parks and gardens were in peak condition for the judging.

This year the judges took special note of communities where wildlife gardening has been incorporated into planting schemes, linking in with a Royal Horticultural Society theme to encourage and promote wildlife in gardens.

Guy Barter, head of RHS Horticultural Advisory Services, said just a few easy adaptations to gardens and parks can make them friendlier for the small creatures that need these habitats to survive and flourish.

He said, “Good planting can make a significant difference to wildlife in urban areas. Trees, shrubs and hedges not only make a garden beautiful and provide protection and privacy, but also provide food and shelter for birds, insects and other wildlife.

“Garden ponds are especially valuable and, with due safety precautions, are a source of fascination to children.”

The RHS will present a special discretionary award to the community that demonstrates the most innovative and engaging way of incorporating the theme within their entry.

The RHS Britain in Bloom awards presentation takes place at Coventry Cathedral on September 26.

Comrie will receive a bronze, silver, silver-gilt or gold achievement award depending on the allocation of judges’ marks, and is in the running to be an overall winner for its category.

RHS Britain in Bloom is the largest horticultural campaign in Europe. It encourages people to create long-term improvements to their local environments.