In our region, the Yorkshire in Bloom competition is organised by an independent and voluntary committee of horticultural experts and other environmental professionals and enthusiasts. Entering ''In Bloom' competitions is not essential, though Darley in Bloom has chosen to enter the regional competition in most years.
The competition involves two visits to the village from independent judges, one in spring and one in summer, on dates given to us in advance. We take the judges on a tour of the village, partly on foot and partly by car, to show them as many areas as possible. Those people who have been particularly involved in the different areas chat about their work to the judges as they go round the village. We also produce a brochure to explain about plans (past, present and future); how we raise funds; and to display photos of events, gardens or areas the judges will not have time to view.
The judges look for:
- bright, well maintained gardens
- colourful floral displays
- permanent planting to provide year round interest
- well maintained grass verges and greens
- designated areas created to encourage wildflowers and wildlife
- Recycling and composting initiatives
- Cleanliness - an absence of litter, dog fouling and graffiti
- Community involvement and the encouragement of young people throughout
They are experienced enough to know whether the ''judging day' appearance reasonably reflects the year round standard