“Incredible and awe inspiring” is how judges from Heart of England in Bloom described the Kings Heath community when awarding them Gold in this year’s competition. And so impressed were they that they have nominated the Kings Heath Floral Trail to represent the region in next year’s prestigious national Britain in Bloom competition.

The judges were taken on a whistle stop tour of this year’s 10,000 step Floral Trail that links the largest suburban shopping centre in Birmingham with the Green Flag award winning Kings Heath Park and historic Highbury Park.

They said they could not “fail to be impressed by the richness of the two parks, the floral displays throughout, the vibrant business and retail outlets, the welcoming and well used churches. All pervading was a sense of place, civic pride and ownership for the many jewels that are on the Kings Heath Floral Trail”.

All these ‘jewels’ are described in a 16 page guide that can be downloaded from the web site: www.kingsheathfloraltrail.com

Bob Prew, one of the Floral Trail organisers, said “The Gold Award is a triumph for the whole Kings Heath community. We are particularly grateful to the business community for largely paying for the floral displays through the Business Improvement District levy. We are already starting to plan improvements next year and hope to start celebrity led tours of the Floral Trail”.

Philip Osman, another of the Floral Trail organisers, said “Britain in Bloom is not just about flowers. The judges were equally impressed by our pioneering business re-cycling scheme, our work to reduce carbon foot print, our efforts to promote edible gardening and the whole community’s involvement”.