Green-fingered community groups in Aberdeen put their best flowers forward yesterday as judges from the Beautiful Scotland competition toured the city.
Steven Mitchell and Julia Cordon met council officers and some of the 92 community groups which have shaped the city’s entry into the contest.
Hopes are high for a blooming good result as Aberdeen has won the Britain in Bloom title 11 times since its inception more than 50 years ago.
The pair were taken on a tour around many of the city’s green spaces including Duthie Park, Johnston Gardens, Union Terrace Gardens, Walker Dam, Hazlehead Park and Seaton Park.
Several groups welcomed the judges at Duthie Park and others said goodbye at St Machar Cathedral where photographic displays of their work were on show.
Participants included Friends of Hazlehead, Friends of Duthie Park, Garthdee Fields Allotments Association, Nether Loirston Growers Association, Cove in Bloom, Culter in Bloom, Allotment market stall, Rock Garden Club, Friends of Seaton Park, Friends of Victoria and Westburn Park, Dyce in Bloom, and Powis residents.
The judges were told about the city’s horticultural achievements in the past year, the efforts of community groups, and schemes showing environmental responsibility.
Highlights included the garden in bloom competition, displays of spring bulbs, window boxes, street planters, sponsored roundabouts and beds, hanging baskets, the Duthie Park Winter Gardens, and the schools’ design a bed competition.
The winners of the Beautiful Scotland competition will be announced on September 10.
Aberdeen lord provost George Adam said: “The work carried out by community groups and city council parks and grounds services staff is outstanding and I’m very proud of our colourful flower beds and green areas all over the city.
“These beautiful green spaces and parks are used and appreciated by residents and visitors all year round and are great places for families and friends to spend time together.
“I hope the judges enjoyed their tour around the city and learned about all the exciting projects which have taken place.”