Britain in Bloom 2015 annual theme announced

Britain in Bloom has announced its theme for the 2015 competition - Greener Streets: Better Lives. The aim of this year’s theme is to turn places across the UK from grey to green.

With house building once more on the increase and local authorities still dealing with the aftermath of austere budgetary measures, it can be challenging to maintain the green spaces that are such an important part of our landscape. So, the 2015 theme, supporting the competition’s ongoing aim to raise awareness of the need for green spaces, appears to be particularly well-timed.

“We see some fantastic open spaces and public places on our travels around the UK,” says Amberol’s MD Patience Atkinson-Gregory. “Maintaining communal displays, parks, wild meadows and open areas is a worthwhile investment for communities – both economically and spiritually. The particularly great thing about this initiative is that everyone can get involved and make a difference – from individuals to Britain in Bloom groups.”

To get people started, the RHS is offering everyone taking part in the campaign a free packet of nasturtium seeds (while stocks last). In Bloom and In Your Neighbourhood groups will automatically be sent the free seeds, but if you haven’t registered and would like to receive your free seeds, just visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/seeds15.

Nasturtiums are some of the easiest flowers to grow, so there’s no excuse for an empty windowsill, container or flower bed. Simply plant in the ground between March and May and thin them out as they grow. Not only are they colourful blooms, but they can also be eaten! An edible flower, with a peppery flavour, try adding them to salads.

If growing your nasturtiums on a larger scale, Amberol’s self-watering containers offer optimum conditions for growth, turning your grey area to 50 shades of green (not to mention red, yellow, pink, purple and white).

Click here to see Amberol’s range of self-watering containers.