National Finalist in 2022...
Sevenoaks last qualified for Britain in Bloom in 2022 when it won the Silver Gilt award.
And National Finalist in 2025!
Now after scooping three golds and The Vine winning the top prize for Park of the Year at the South & South East In Bloom 2024 awards, this strong performance means Sevenoaks is in the national finals again.
When is it judged?
The judging period will run from 28 July - 15 August 2025 with the winner announced in October.
Who else is in our category?
Our rivals in the Town Centres & City Centre category are Darlington, Northumbria in Bloom; Growing Kirkcaldy, Keep Scotland Beautiful, and Middleton Town Centre, North West in Bloom.
Other Kent locations in the finals representing South & South East in Bloom are Royal Tunbridge Wells, in the Small City & City category, and Eynsford in Bloom, in the Village & Large Village category.
Why is the award important?
The Britain in Bloom award is a key influence on environmental improvements in horticulture, increasing biodiversity and in helping to make the United Kingdom a greener place.
Our theme: Celebrating Bugs!
The signature colours for Sevenoaks this year will be purple and blue, with flashes of white and yellow, and the theme is Celebrating Bugs. Edible plants and herbs will be planted, and flowers for pollinators.
Sevenoaks Youth cafe entry
In 2024 The House in the Basement youth café at The Stag was awarded the category of ‘Thriving’ for the Royal Horticultural Society ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ campaign (Community Gardening). This year they are looking to create a botanical LEGO display. LEGO flower donations are greatly appreciated.
How can volunteers help?
Gardening and tidy-up
Volunteers are asked to help with gardening, planting and tidy up days (dates will be announced), or if you can help with a one-off or regular hour or two a week, please get in touch (see below for contact details).
Knitting and crafting volunteers
If you don't have time or are not able to do gardening work but would like to get involved, you could also help by knitting bees to display, and painting ladybird rocks. Knitting groups have already started making bees! The knitting pattern can be downloaded using the QR code on the poster (right) or click on this link to get a downloadable pdf 50851777_1.pdf
Businesses and sponsors
Businesses can give staff time to volunteer with gardening and tidy up days or sponsor flower beds or planters in the town.
Schools can get creative!
Schools are being asked to encourage pupils to ‘Be Busy Bees’ for In Bloom by painting rocks with ladybirds or other bugs, Artists and school art departments are being asked to create weatherproof outdoor art installations.
If you would like to help Sevenoaks Go for Gold in Britain in Bloom, even if you just have an hour or two to spare, please email Anna at osl@sevenoakstown.gov.uk or call the council on 01732 459953. Visit the website at www.sevenoakstown.gov.uk