Judges toured school gardens, community plots and colourful planters to assess this year’s Wilmslow entry in the RHS Britain in Bloom competition.
Gardeners around Wilmslow have been planting pots and creating gardens with edible plants for the competition, which celebrates blooming towns around the north west.
Last year, Wilmslow won a highly commended silver award.
Judges Peter Wiseman and John Bilsborough were shown around town to rate Wilmslow in the large town category. Marking takes into account community participation and environmental responsibility as well as horticultural excellence.
The tour was led by Helen Yates, from Incredible Edible Wilmslow, which runs the entry, and Wilmslow Town councillor Ellie Brooks, and started at Dean Oaks Primary School.
Judges met teachers, children and parents to see what they have been growing and were told about their involvement with voluntary groups such as Dean Row Allotment Society.
The judges then visited Shentons Farm Shop and Bank Square where businesses have planted pots.
They met Rotarians and Cheshire East Streetscape officers to discuss planting, street cleaning and the Wilmslow Scarecrow Festival.
Ian Baillee, from Friends of The Carrs, and ranger Peter Dowse, from Lindow Common, also spoke to the judges.
The tour ended at Wilmslow Library where tea and homemade cakes were served.
Helen Yates said: “We’ve achieved a lot in less than three years and it’s nice to be able to show it off.”
Coun Brooks said: “Community spirit has really increased over the last few years and entering Britain In Bloom has brought us together with a common goal.” The results will be announced on October 24.
