Volunteers who keep Sidmouth looking its best are gearing up for a landmark anniversary.

RHS in Bloom celebrates 50 years in 2021 and Sidmouth’s group is looking forward to giving a ‘great display’ throughout the town despite the Covid-19 restrictions.

Over the last couple of months Sidmouth in Bloom has been designed 3D displays for two areas – Blackmore Gardens and a new carpet bedding display for The Triangle.

The group provided all its displays in 2020, including the sunken garden in Connaught Gardens, without fundraising due to the adverse business conditions caused by the pandemic but will need help to cover costs in 2021.

Sidmouth in Bloom chairman Lynette Talbot has been asked to work on a ‘two elephant’ 3D design comprising a quarter of the South West in Bloom display under the great marquee.

This is being done is association with The Royal Parks in London.

Sidmouth in Bloom hopes the fundraising ‘open gardens’ will take place as planned this year, but may have to be pushed back to late July.

Anyone interested in taking part should contact Sidmouth in Bloom.

The summer floral competition will be running from late July with an award ceremony planned for late autumn.

Sidmouth in Bloom has also entered the RHS national finals this year and all groups involved will be represented.

The town is also taking part in the ‘roots of remembrance’ scheme to plant trees in memory of those who have died due to Covid-19.

These trees - a crataegus laevigata, a magnolia x brooklynensis and a amelanchier - are set to be registered on an RHS tree map.

Sponsorship for the three trees planted, which includes a plaque, will cost £100 each. Selection for these trees is being done on a ‘first-come-first-serve' basis.

However, Lynette said Sidmouth in Bloom is also wanting to install two more benches between the raised beds where the trees are and these can also be sponsored.

For more information on the work of Sidmouth in Bloom, or to become a volunteer, email info@sidmouthinbloom.org or ring Lynette on 01395 578081.