Royal Horticultural Society Judging Criteria
Section A is about Horticultural Achievement. Judges take the following five key factors into consideration.
A1 Impact - This covers Colours and Design; Appropriate choice of plants; Special features; Presentation; Innovation.


A2 Horticultural Practice - This covers Cultivation and Maintenance; Quality of plants; Sustainability; New planting.


A3 Residential and Community Gardening - The judges will look at Residential gardens; Communal spaces; Allotments; Public Buildings and Car parks.


A4 Business Areas and Premises - The judges will look at all retail and shopping areas and also want to see pubs and other business premises.


A5 Green Spaces - Included in this section are verges, parks and open public spaces.


Section B is about Environmental Responsibility. Again there are five key factors to consider.
B1 Conservation and Biodiversity - This includes wildlife areas and natural habitats.


B2 Resource Management -This includes recycling and conserving natural resources.


B3 Local Heritage - This includes management and development of local natural heritage sites.


B4 Local Environmental Quality - The judges consider how we deal vacant premises, litter, graffiti etc.
B5 Pride of Place - Judges will consider how we manage our street furniture and signage, interpretation boards etc.
Section C is about Community Participation. Again there are five key factors that are considered:
C1 Development and Continuity - The judges look at the development and sustainability of the local in bloom group and look for evidence of ongoing projects.
C2 Communication and Education - We show evidence of publicity and press coverage, engaging with schools and other community groups.
C3 Community Involvement - We are judged on whether we have engaged the whole community and whether we have supported and encouraged the neighbourhood awards scheme.
C4 Year Round Involvement - We are expected to show a year round programme of activity.
C5 Funding and Support - The judges need to see that the in bloom group has secured support from all areas of the community.
