London in Bloom judges have applauded a Square Mile ‘rainbow’ flower bed grown to honour key-workers fighting COVID-19 [image attached].

The tribute was planted by the Friends of City Gardens with the City of London Corporation.

They said the ‘Grow a Rainbow’ bed at Festival Gardens was “particularly pleasing”, helping the public to “enjoy coming out of the gloom and difficulty of lockdown.”

The City Corporation won seven awards for its open spaces overall and was crowned the Gold winner in the Town category.

It also won prizes for managing West Ham Park in Newham, Queen’s Park in Brent, and Golder’s Hill Park in Barnet.

The Hill Garden on Hampstead Heath and Nic’s Secret Garden and Rescue Nursery, in the Square Mile, were also honoured alongside Keats House in Camden.

The City Corporation was commended by judges for keeping its open spaces running efficiently and to high standards during the COVID-19 lockdown, with staff adjusting well to the restrictions.

The City Corporation protects and conserves 11,000 acres of green space in London and south east England – including Epping Forest and Hampstead Heath - and over 200 smaller sites in the Square Mile.

It funds its green spaces with over £29 million a year. They include important wildlife habitats, heritage landscapes, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserves and are protected from being built on by special legislation.

These sites, most of which are charitable trusts, are run at little or no cost to the communities that they serve.

Oliver Sells, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Open Spaces and City Gardens Committee, said:

“We are delighted that judges have recognised our rainbow flower garden; our tribute to those who are working so tirelessly, and with such dedication, for the NHS and all our public services during this pandemic.

“They have responded with commitment, determination and dedication and we owe them an immeasurable debt of gratitude.

“These results are a testament to all our staff and volunteers who have worked so hard during the unprecedented year we have had.

“My thanks to them. We will continue to protect and conserve the capital’s open spaces so they can be enjoyed and appreciated by all Londoners.”

London in Bloom celebrates and recognises the passion Londoners have for greening the capital city.

Entries are invited every year from local authorities, parks, friends groups, community groups, and schools across London who want to improve their local environment. London in Bloom is an inclusive campaign and any community, no matter how small or large, can get involved. 

Due to COVID-19 judging this year was done remotely.

-Ends-

Media enquires

Kristina Drake

Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Kristina.Drake@cityoflondon.gov.uk

07710 860884

Notes to editors

The awards for the City of London Corporation at the London in Bloom 2020 awards were:

Town

City of London Gold 

Heritage Park/Garden of the Year (Sponsored by MPGA)

Keats House, City of London  Silver Gilt

Large Park (above 25 acres) of the Year

Golders Hill Park, City of London Gold

Queen's Park, City of London Gold

West Ham Park, City of London Gold

Walled Garden

Hill Garden, City of London Gold

Community Gardening Award

Nic’s Secret Garden and Rescue Nursery, City of London Outstanding

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

The green spaces run by the City of London Corporation, as well as the 200 City Gardens, are:

1. Hampstead Heath
2. Highgate Wood
3. Golders Hill Park
4. Queen’s Park
5. Epping Forest
6. Wanstead Flats
7. Wanstead Park
8. City of London Cemetery and Crematorium
9. West Ham Park
10. Burnham Beeches
11. Stoke Common
12. Ashtead Common
13. Coulsdon Common
14. Farthing Downs
15. Kenley Common
16. Riddlesdown
17. Spring Park
18. West Wickham Common