On Wednesday 8th July, judges visited Sevenoaks’ stunning gardens, flowerbeds and creative displays, as the town proudly took part in the South & South East In Bloom competition.
As this year marks Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, the Sevenoaks in Bloom theme reflected this through various creative projects. The campaign also highlighted the importance of bugs, with planting focused on pollinator-friendly flowers.
As the judges toured the town, they met the dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers who work alongside the Town Council to maintain the beautiful open spaces and plants around town. Volunteer gardeners from Sevenoaks Soroptimists, Sevenoaks Living Landscape Project, and West Kent Housing, as well local resident volunteers, are so important to Sevenoaks in Bloom. By giving their time and skills, they not only improve the local environment but also foster a sense of community pride and shared responsibility for keeping Sevenoaks an attractive and welcoming place.
Rockdale Village is a major contributor to Sevenoaks in Bloom, and this year they again pulled out all the stops to impress the judges. Their residents got involved not only through gardening, but also building homes for wildlife, such as bird boxes and hedgehog houses, and making stunning knitted and papier-mâché creations – animals and globes following the Attenborough theme.
One of last year’s Young Champion award winners, Bonnie, continued to demonstrate her commitment to Sevenoaks in Bloom by organising another sponsored litter pick and planting session at The Vine with friends, Lilly and Emma. Their efforts show how young people can play an active role in caring for their community.
Sevenoaks’ other 2025 Young Champion winner, Willow Loudon, supported In Bloom again by crocheting David Attenborough-themed postbox toppers – one with Attenborough and a tortoise and one octopus-themed.
Many people have got involved with In Bloom this year through knitting and crocheting butterflies, caterpillars, bees, and all sorts of other creatures that you can see around town, including crafters from Knole U3A, Rockdale Village, Knit & Natter Library Group, Sevenoaks Soroptimists, as well as individuals.
The Sevenoaks in Bloom team was pleased that eight local schools also took part this year through a variety of creative and environmental projects. Five schools (Sevenoaks Primary School, Dunton Green Primary School, Lady Boswells CE Primary School, Weald of Kent Grammar School and Sevenoaks Preparatory School) contributed Attenborough-themed animal painted rocks which are on display at the Vine Gardens and Upper High Street Gardens. Dunton Green Primary School undertook a whole school project and made a tree out of rocks, with some students painting the bark, some the leaves and some insects.
It wasn’t just children that got involved in rock painting, an Adult Social Services Class also joined in and made some lovely painted rocks to add to the display.
Tunbridge Wells Boys Grammar made flower sculptures, on display in House at the Basement, and students from The New Beacon School made an amazing woven globe sculpture. For Sevenoaks School’s contribution, they conducted a biodiversity bug audit in The Vine Gardens, which they are keen to repeat next year.
Children can continue to enjoy the Sevenoaks in Bloom bug and plant trails around the Vine – pick up the game from Café on the Vine and get a sticker on completion.
The Sevenoaks in Bloom team is so grateful to everyone who supported the 2026 competition entry, including all partners, volunteers and this year’s sponsor, NFU Mutual.
