Residents asked to submit photos of their gardening work in celebration of the city in bloom

14 May 2020

A celebration of Aberdeen in Bloom is being held this year as Aberdeen City Council’s annual garden competition is cancelled due to coronavirus.

Instead of participating in the competition, residents are instead asked to send in photographs showing their work in six themes – make or design a scarecrow, garden wildlife, favourite viewpoint, splash of colour, home-grown dish, and proud of my planting.

The intent is the photos would be used in an exhibition later in the year, when Government restrictions allow.

Aberdeen City Council operational delivery convener Councillor John Wheeler said: “While it’s disappointing we’ve had to cancel this year’s competition due to coronavirus and it was a difficult decision to make, we know how important it is to celebrate what we have been doing during these challenging times.

“Celebrate Aberdeen In Bloom is being introduced for those who are at home during this time and there may be many people who are new to planting and growing as well as those who have tried their hand making things and watching wildlife in their gardens too.

“We have a fantastic opportunity now to use digital technology to find out the wonderful things people have been doing in their gardens as well as connecting these communities together by sharing photos.

“We look forward to receiving the photographs and seeing the amazing work which has been carried out this year – lots of youngsters have been keen gardeners and makers so it would be fantastic to see their efforts.”

The photographs should be sent to CAIB@aberdeencity.gov.uk showing work in the following themes:

Make or Design a Scarecrow

Submit image of your own scarecrow, built from materials only limited by your imagination. Use recycled /upcycled materials and get creative. Alternatively submit an image of your design for one;

Garden Wildlife

Submit your favourite photograph of wildlife in your garden or nearby green space. Could be butterflies on a buddleia flower, birds feeding on nearby shrubs, or trees or insects foraging a compost pile;

Favourite Viewpoint

Choose your very favourite outdoor space in your garden or green space and tell us why in no more than 200 words? Accompany with a photograph;

Splash of Colour

Take a snapshot of your favourite flower, leaf or vegetable which injects colour into your life, the brighter the better;

Home Grown Dish

Send in a picture of your meal produced from your own grown vegetables. Meal ideas and broad outline recipes can be included, with a 200-word restriction.

Proud of my Planting

A category to represent anyone young or old to the pleasures of planting seeds or cuttings. A picture of your favourite and a description of 200 words maximum preferred but not essential.

There is no age restriction for residents submitting photographs. A closing date will be determined at a later date, depending on coronavirus restrictions.