It was all smiles (and a fair bit of soil talk) at Northampton’s historic Guildhall last Thursday, as the town’s most dedicated green-fingered groups came together to celebrate a year of community gardening success.

The awards ceremony, held on 23 October, recognised the incredible efforts of 20 community groups and two schools who took part in the It’s Your Neighbourhood scheme – a grassroots initiative from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), delivered locally by Northampton Town Council in partnership with East Midlands in Bloom.

These projects have been quietly transforming parks, churchyards, school gardens and communal spaces across Northampton – brightening up corners, building friendships, and even helping children learn about biodiversity and growing their own food.

Growing community spirit

Throughout July, RHS assessors visited each participating project to see just how much impact they’ve had on their local environments. Judging was based on community involvement, environmental responsibility, and gardening achievements – and feedback was given to help every group continue to grow (quite literally).

Councillor Andrew Kilbride, Chair of the Environmental Services Committee, praised the groups for their dedication:

“Every project created is unique and brings so much to its neighbourhood – improving the environment, increasing biodiversity, nurturing community pride, engaging residents and developing skills and confidence.”

This year saw a record number of first-time entries – seven new community groups and two schools, proving Northampton’s passion for planting is spreading fast.

The local legends behind the blooms

From the Friends of Abington Park, who create endless learning opportunities through gardening, to Bees Be Happy, a group sharing not only plants and seeds but wisdom and laughter, each project had its own special story.

Highlights included:

  • Standens Barn Primary, where a blind pupil received a Judge’s Discretionary Award for his herb planters and a braille treasure hunt.
  • Eastfield Academy, recognised for pupils who share their gardening knowledge with parents.
  • C2C Social Action Kingsthorpe Allotment, nominated for the East Midlands in Bloom ‘Most Inspiring Award’.
  • Friends of Billing Road Cemetery, applauded for their careful conservation work.
  • NN3 Community Garden, an inspiring example of one person’s vision taking root and drawing others in.

And in true Northampton spirit, the Bees Be Happy group even set up a WhatsApp network to keep all participating teams connected – a small idea that’s had a big impact.

Looking ahead

Next year’s It’s Your Neighbourhood scheme is already open for entries, with judging due between June and August 2026. Participants will receive mentoring, a visit from an RHS assessor, and the chance to join a national community gardening network.

So, if your green space could use a little love (and a few friendly faces with watering cans), now’s the time to get involved.

To register, email bloom@northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk or visit the RHS website at www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/its-your-neighbourhood.

Because, as Northampton’s gardeners have shown, when communities plant together – they grow together.