The idea of the “Bloom” grew from Fleurissement de France, which started in 1959 and was first held in the UK in 1963.
Yeovil in Bloom was initiated and has been funded and managed by the Town Council since 1996. It was developed to enhance the visual quality of the town and bring the local community together.
The Town’s annual entry into the Britain in Bloom South West competition involves contributions from local businesses, schools, residents, Yeovil Country Park and community groups.
The Royal Horticultural Society launched an “It’s your Neighbourhood Scheme” in 2001 to encourage local people to take ownership of their immediate environment. Groups get together to litter pick, create community gardens, tend allotments and orchards, grow and plant floral bedding displays and hanging baskets and fruit and vegetables. They raise money by organising coffee mornings and barbeques. This not only starts to create a feeling of community but also inspires more challenging projects.