Lichfield Canal will play a starring role in television’s Britain in Bloom. A new series of the BBC2 show begins in the spring and the episode at 6.30pm on Thursday April 4 will feature Blooming Lichfield’s gold award-winning entry in the Small City section of the Heart of England in Bloom competition.
A TV crew filmed at several sites in the city in spring 2018 then followed up as the competition judges made their round in mid-summer, visiting Swinfen Hall Hotel with its newly constructed Victorian-style greenhouse, Dovehouse Community Garden’s flowers and food crops, Beacon Park’s formal display, the gardens associated with Swan Mews, Netherstowe Allotments and St Chad’s churchyard.
The series presenter, Chris Bavin, was particularly impressed by one of the biggest projects in the whole series, Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust’s Garden of Reflection, at Gallows Wharf, including Rose Willow, the floral recreation of a 70ft narrowboat next to Tamworth Road. Chris and his crew followed the progress of the work at Gallows Wharf, from building site in May to beautiful garden on judging day in July.
Nick Burton, the Open Spaces Officer for Lichfield City Council, said: “The film will not be able to show the extent of effort and work put in by all the individuals and groups attached to Bloom last year which made gold possible. “The watering to keep the plants looking their best during last year’s record dry summer was a feat in itself. “I hope the film does capture the fun we all had and shows Lichfield to be the beautiful city it is, as well as encouraging others to join us in this hugely rewarding project. Heart of England in Bloom is one of seventeen regions and nations in the UK that delivers the Britain in Bloom campaign on behalf of the Royal Horticultural Society.
