awallace1962

Haddington in Bloom

Here’s a summary of Blooming Haddington (East Lothian) and what they do:

  • Who they are & scale: Volunteer group (founded 2013) keeping the town bright year-round. They run regular work sessions and look after 120+ hanging baskets, plus street planters and “tattie boxes” (summer & winter schemes). (keepscotlandbeautiful.org)
  • Signature projects & events:
    • Wheelbarrow & container trails with public voting and sponsorship from local businesses. (Facebook)
    • Themed heritage displays—e.g., the Siege of Haddington Commemoration Garden using gabion “basket” planters and period herbs. (keepscotlandbeautiful.org)
    • Strong links to Amisfield Walled Garden and St Mary’s Pleasance for joint displays and skills/volunteering. (keepscotlandbeautiful.org)
  • Partnerships: Work closely with East Lothian Council (maintenance support), and collaborate with local groups such as Rotary Haddington and Friends of the River Tyne. (Facebook)
  • Awards & recognition (highlights):
    • 2019 RHS Britain in Bloom: Gold and UK ‘Town’ category winner; also the RHS discretionary award for Gardening in a Changing Climate. (keepscotlandbeautiful.org)
    • 2024 Beautiful Scotland: Gold + Medium Town Trophy, plus discretionary awards for St Mary’s Pleasance and Amisfield Walled Garden. (keepscotlandbeautiful.org)
    • 2025 Beautiful Scotland (ELC announcement): Medium Town Award, Horticultural Heritage Award, and David Welch Memorial Award for Something Special (for their wheelbarrow & yarn-bombing trail). (East Lothian Council)
    • Recognised in the Scottish Parliament for volunteer impact and year-round planting. (Scottish Parliament)
  • How to follow/contact:
    Facebook: @bloominghaddington • Email: bloominghaddington@gmail.com • Listing on Keep Scotland Beautiful network. (Facebook)

Useful takeaways for Corstorphine in Bloom

  • Run a sponsored trail (wheelbarrows/planters) with public voting to drive footfall and local press. (Facebook)
  • Pair displays with heritage storytelling (e.g., local events/anniversaries) to unlock discretionary awards. (keepscotlandbeautiful.org)
  • Maintain year-round colour (summer baskets → winter planters) so residents see continuity, not just a summer burst. (keepscotlandbeautiful.org)
  • Partner hard with the council and nearby gardens for plants, expertise, volunteers and judging visits. (Facebook)