60 Years of Redbridge: Growing Together for Nature
Amateur Gardening Competition
This year’s Redbridge in Bloom marks the 60th anniversary of the London Borough of Redbridge, created in 1965 when Greater London was formed. Redbridge, like other boroughs, was established through the merging of smaller local authorities as part of the wider reorganisation of London government.
This year’s theme, ‘60 Years of Redbridge: Growing Together for Nature‘ links the borough’s anniversary with the LBR Restore Nature Pledge and Vision RCL’s community volunteering, focusing on gardening that supports biodiversity, sustainability, and community wellbeing.
Planet-Friendly Gardening
Redbridge in Bloom encourages and promotes gardening techniques that benefit our communities, wildlife, and the planet. This year Vision RCL is putting sustainability at the heart of gardening, mitigating the climate and biodiversity crises while tackling social issues like loneliness, obesity, and mental health.
Vision RCL is raising awareness of best gardening practices through our Volunteering sessions. Making small changes such as saving water, using peat-free soil, increasing wildlife-friendly habitats in our open outdoor spaces, and reducing surfaces that give rise to flooding can make a significant difference in achieving a Sustainable, Planet-Friendly Garden.
Categories
This year’s categories are:
- Best Front Garden
- Best Container Garden
- Best Public House
- Best Sheltered Housing / Residential Care Home
- Best Community Display
- Best School Gardening Project
- Best Sustainable Planet-Friendly Garden
A Nature-Friendly Pledge
This year, we’re encouraging participants to adopt at least one nature-friendly pledge as part of their Redbridge in Bloom 2025 entry, drawn from the Restore Nature Pledge:
1. Plant More for Pollinators
Add flowering plants or fruit trees to provide food for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
2. Add Water Features
Include a bird bath, small pond, or shallow water bowl to support frogs, birds, and insects.
3. Go Pesticide Free
Avoid chemical pesticides—use companion planting or natural pest deterrents instead.
4. Ditch Artificial Grass
Remove plastic turf and replace it with real lawn, moss, or wildflowers to support soil health and wildlife.
5. Build a Bug Hotel
Create simple log piles, bee bricks, or insect hotels to offer shelter for pollinators and minibeasts.
6. Create a Hedgehog Highway
Make small (13×13 cm) gaps at the bottom of fences or garden borders to allow hedgehogs to travel safely.
7. Green Up Paved Areas
Convert driveways, paths, or patio edges into planted areas to reduce runoff and improve habitat.
8. Grow Your Own
Start growing herbs, fruit, or vegetables—especially using pesticide-free methods that support pollinators.
9. Compost at Home
Recycle food and garden waste to nourish soil and reduce landfill. Community composting options also count.
10. Volunteer in the Community
Take part in local conservation work, gardening groups, or community greening projects to extend your impact. – Volunteering in Parks and Open spaces • Vision RCL
Sign-up to the Competition!
Are you interested in entering your garden into the ‘Redbridge In Bloom’ competition? Please fill out the sign-up form below.
Submission end date: 31 May
Judging start date: 7–14 June
Blog
Don’t forget to read our blog for some sustainable gardening tips. We will guide you through the seasons with valuable insights and practical advice aimed at fostering a greener and more sustainable approach to gardening and daily practices.
Last Year’s Winners
Take a look at last year’s ‘Redbridge In Bloom’ winners, You may even find some inspiration for creating your own garden this year.
