Harrogate in Bloom’s latest community campaign is underway with members of the group offering to become ‘garden mentors’ to Harrogate’s small hotels and guesthouses.

The proprietors of the Geminian Guest House on Franklin Road are the first to sign up to this new project. Michael and Denys Dean have run this popular guesthouse for 17 years but readily admit that guests’ first impression of their garden could do with some improvement.  Whist the forecourt is nicely paved and welcoming with outdoor furniture, it does lack some colourful planting.

Denys says:  “We have spent a fortune on plants and containers for the front of our two properties but nothing we plant seems to want to grow.  This help from Harrogate in Bloom is going to be invaluable to us.  It will improve our look, save us money and also stop us making those annual horticultural howlers.”

Harrogate in Bloom memeber Mary Bond added:  “Anyone in the hospitality trade knows that making a good first impression is vital.  A warm welcome on the doorstep from owners is assured but we want to welcome guests the minute they step off the pavement or even as they are parking their car.  Our mentors will seek out the best plants for all gardens which will also complement the building both in use of colour and scale.”

Local resident Maureen Ingles, the 2009 Large Garden category winner in the Harrogate in Bloom summer competitions, will join Harriet Andrew, a former member of Harrogate in Bloom, to offer help and advice to Michael and Denys.

Anyone interested in joining the scheme is asked to contact Mary Bond on 01423 872107 or e-mail: info@harrogateinbloom.org.uk