Entry forms: please contact Mary Mann

Anyone in business knows that making a good first impression is vital and your premises’ appearance can make an important statement about your business to visiting customers or clients. This is particularly true in the hospitality trade where a well cared for exterior suggests that the hosts probably will offer a similar standard of care to their guests.

Harrogate in Bloom values the contribution made by all the business community in making the hotels, pubs, restaurants and commercial areas look attractive and inviting throughout the year and particularly in the spring and summer. It not only provides a good “First Impression” for the businesses but it is a good “First Impression” for the town.

The size of your property doesn’t matter. It’s the way you have used the available space that will count. Only the garden area between the street & building will be judged unless you wish the judges to view more of your site. (See entry form)

All entrants will be judged against standards set by the RHS and could win a Gold, Silver Gilt, Silver or Bronze Award, or a Certificate of Merit – so in theory, everyone (or indeed no-one!) could win a gold. The results will be announced at the Harrogate in Bloom Awards Presentation on the afternoon of Sunday 30th September at the Old Swan Hotel.

A trophy will be presented to the overall winner in each category.

Judges will be looking for:

a good first impression and overall design

planting which is appropriate in colour and scale to the surroundings, with spring or summer interest as appropriate

containers (if any) of appropriate size and style

paving, paths etc (if any) which complement the surroundings and are well maintained

plants which are in good condition, apparently disease free and well maintained (dead-headed, watered, pruned, etc)

the whole area should be well swept & litter free

Harrogate in Bloom runs two business award schemes; a combined group in spring and three separate categories in summer:

2012 Spring Business Award

The expansion of the Harrogate in Bloom Spring Hotel competition to include all businesses (hotels, offices, retail & commercial premises and care homes) continues to attract new entrants. The 2011 winner was Wynnstay House

Please contact Mary Mann for an entry form

2012 Summer Business Awards

There are three separate categories in the summer: Hotels and Guesthouses, Pubs & Restaurants, Retail & Commercial

Details available in due course