Oxford in Bloom

The Oxford in Bloom competition offers local people and commerce the chance to enhance our environment through the imaginative use of:

trees
shrubs
flowers
landscaping

Who can enter the competition?

The initiative is not just for the city's best gardeners but welcomes entries from everyone, including:

private residences
shops and offices
schools and colleges
factories
hotels and guest houses
parks
pubs
garages

If you're a first time entrant there are special awards in all categories so why not have a go! Everyone has a part to play and through collective and individual participation, we can show that Oxford is truly a city "In Bloom". An application form is available at the bottom of this page.

Judging criteria

A team of judges will visit your entry and award marks across a number of categories:

general impression, colour and impact
cleanliness, tidiness, absence of pests and weeds
quality, choice, height and colour of plant
arrangement and design

Prizes are awarded to the best entries in different categories including:

best kept small/large front or back garden
most beautiful hanging basket or balcony
under 11 planter
best kept public house, guest houses/hotel

Winners are presented with their prizes at a reception hosted by the Lord Mayor.

Sponsorship

In 2009 Oxford in Bloom aims to involve the whole community and hopes that entries will exceed the levels of the past. The floral displays that result are not only enjoyed by residents but by visitors and the many thousands of tourists who visit our city every summer.

Oxford in Bloom offers many opportunities for local businesses to become involved. Local companies have seen the benefit of supporting the initiative through:

sponsorship of roundabouts
floral displays
hanging baskets

Many thanks to the Oxford Mail who have sponsored Oxford in Bloom in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Oxford in Bloom presentations

would you like to learn more about Oxford in Bloom?
are you a member of a gardening club or the Women's Institute and are wondering about a speaker for your next meeting?
would like to ask an expert about your gardening problems?
have a plant identified

John Alcock can provide an interesting talk on the Oxford and Britain in Bloom competition. The presentations can last from 30 minutes to 2 hours and are free, but we do ask the group to make a donation to a charity of your choice.

The closing date for schools is 1 July 2009, and for all other entries on 10 July 2009.

Judging will take place in the week beginning 20 July 2009.

Oxford in Bloom Application Form 2009

Page last reviewed 30 Jun 2009