ORGANISERS of Middleton-in-Bloom are hoping their village retains its status as one of the prettiest in the North East after going through a rigorous summer judging process last week.
Northumbria-in-Bloom judges Ian Sutherland, John Richards and Rod Mathieson were treated to a presentation on what had been done in the village during the past year followed by a tour.
Organiser Pam Phillips said the theme this year was “buzzing with bees” and plants had been carefully selected to attract insects.
She said she hoped the planting of a new alpine trough would impress.
She said: “It is only a small area, but we have a plan of what we’ve planted and they are from an alpine specialist.”
An improvement to the area in front of the Tourist Information Centre, including a painted bicycle feature, also boosted the village’s image, she said.
Mrs Phillips added that there had been an increase in community involvement with the village craft shop creating a number of knitted bees which are being sold to raise cash for the group.
Local photographer Martin Rogers had provided postcards, book marks and other items which are sold at Rumours coffee shop which also benefits the Middleton-in-Bloom team, she said
Mrs Phillips told the judges that a lack of rain and a prolonged hot spell had made conditions tough in the village but the planting of perennials had helped because they are quite drought-resistant.
However, the group had to put on hold the planting of five new crab apple trees.
She said: “We had a walk around with the parish council to decided where to put the crab apples and the daffodil swathes.”
Middleton-in-Teesdale Parish Council chairman Cllr Andy Mitchell said the group’s involvement included a programme to upgrade seating in the village.
He said: “We have also put in a bid for funding for some new seating.
“We did a village tidy up day which involved Middleton-in-Bloom, the parish council and quite a lot of volunteers. We had a two hours stint in the morning and two hours later on.”
He added that the area around the village cenotaph had been re-turfed.
A tour of the village and its many planted areas followed.
The outcome of the judging of the environmental competition is expected to be announced in September.
