WITH Melksham’s Bloom team progressing plans to enter this year’s 60th South West in Bloom competition, they are calling on the support of residents to help the town win gold – which it did for four consecutive years when the town last entered between 2018 and 2021.
One of the new ideas is to have a community herb bed, a large bed, where people can help themselves to the fresh herbs that they need for cooking. This is being planned in the Prince of Wales Garden in Church Street, next to the Post Office, in conjunction with the Community Larder which is based in the Round House nearby.
“Judges will be in our town in July to evaluate us,” says Terri Welch, one of the Melksham Bloom team. “Although the name states Bloom, it is now about far more and naturally, the environment plays a big part, as does the community. These parts are where we score well as a town, with our wonderful community groups, individuals and companies all working together.
“The town council has already started work, planting trees, chopping back overgrown shrubs, moving old planters, and manuring beds ready for the flowers to arrive. Melksham Bloom is already involving the children at schools, planning displays and making the flags for the Market Place.”
To get the community herb garden started, Terri says the group is calling on the help of residents. “We really need some spare herb plants,” she says. “We already have an offer of mint in a container to stop its invasive growth, but any other plants are most welcome.
“Perhaps you are a business and feel that a cash contribution is more realistic for you. Rest assured it will be most welcome, or perhaps your staff could join in one of the regular litter picks, the big one being the Keep Britain Tidy litter pick in March.
“The town council staff would be delighted to help you and point you in the right direction. For herbs, they can be stored in the Round House, at the Community Larder, or at the Tourist Information Centre opposite the Post Office.
“Let us remember that it is by the community working together that we score highly.”
