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In the spring of 2010 the Community
Council decided to enter the village into the Scottish Borders
Council's Scotland's Floral Gateway competition.
This was Ayton's first
go at the competition and we were pleased to come in 5th= in the
small village section. In
early 2011 Ayton Enhancement
Group was formed with the aim making the village more
attractive. As a result of the work done by this group, along with
many co-operative residents, Ayton moved up to 2nd place behind
Greenlaw.
What is the
Floral Gateway competition all about? These are the guidelines for competitors
Section A: Floral Presentation
Maximum 50 Points
In tackling this section,
competitors should take into account the total landscape of
the areas, as points will be awarded between annual bedding displays
(max. 25 points) and permanent plantings (max. 25 points). Plantings
should be appropriate to the area concerned and judges will expect to
see: well-designed annual bedding displays with top-quality plants in
well-prepared beds and containers; permanent plantings providing
form and colour over a longer period of the year with emphasis on
quality throughout and a high standard of maintenance; trees, shrubs
or bulbs used to provide effective spring and autumn colour, with
evidence of year-round achievements (e.g. a few photos). Note: if
annual bedding displays are not being seen at their best due to a
"late season", judges will recognise the potential of the displays at
the time of judging. Grass areas: there should be evidence of regular
maintenance but it is likely that there will be minor variations in
standards of grass cutting throughout each area. Frequency of cuts is
also likely to vary depending on council policy, e.g. roadside
verges often cut less frequently than other areas. Judges will look
to satisfy themselves with the overall standard of maintenance while
allowing for these differences. Thought for disabled (e.g. access,
scented plants, etc.) should be included in competitors'
activities. Areas for judging include parks, open spaces, public
gardens, private gardens (front and back), allotments,
churchyards/cemeteries, war memorials, schools, industrial areas and
business premises.
Section B: Cleanliness
Maximum 30 Points
Judges will make their assessment
on the general quality and standard of cleanliness that anyone would
get when visiting the town or village concerned. Points will
be deducted when factors are present that detract from a good
environment, such as weedy streets and pavements, unsightly gap
sites, fly-tipping, dog fouling, graffiti and fly posters, chewing
gum and litter generally. There should be a good impression
of tidiness throughout the community area. Maintenance of litter bins,
street furniture, bus shelters and telephone kiosks will be
included. Areas for judging include streets and open spaces.
Section C: Community
Involvement
Maximum 20 Points
This section covers the efforts
of individuals, organisations and schoolchildren in permanent and
seasonal planting schemes or projects, as well as community
clean-up projects resulting in some visual impact for judges. Full
assessment, however, will be made from appropriate evidence that
should be presented to judges (e.g. a few photos).
Involvement
may come from individuals', groups', etc. own projects, or from
actively supporting the local council's or private sector's efforts.
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