FLORAL Guernsey organisers want to see brighter buildings. ‘We want to encourage organisations, including businesses, to become floral assets and help create a stunning impact,’ said Brendan Murphy, a member of the Floral Guernsey Council.

He was speaking at the launch of this year’s competitions.

They are sponsored for the first time by Le Friquet Plant Centre, the local trading company of the Blue Diamond Group.

The judging takes into account different sizes and scale of premises. Judges will consider the overall effect through use of colour and content and also look at the health and quality of the plants. The aim is to create a floral display that will last throughout the season.

Forest United Methodist Church has won the places of worship category for the last two years.

A team of people is involved in creating and maintaining its floral display, including one member, Brian Guille, who has raised the plants from seed.

‘It is for the church primarily. We would do it whether there was a competition or not, although it is nice to get an idea of the standard you have reached,’ he said.

‘It brightens up the church and makes it more welcoming and shows that we look after it. It is also a community thing for the parish and it gets people involved as a team.’

Mr Guille co-ordinates a rota of volunteers who water, deadhead and maintain the display.

The judges, formed of a panel of experienced horticulturalists appointed by the council, will consider entrants in other classes – accommodation; restaurants, pubs, cafes and kiosks; commercial; the public sector; and places of visitor attraction.

Entrants can receive a Floral Guernsey gold, silver gilt, silver or bronze award and every one will be recognised for their effort and support. Establishments can also combine with houses and enter the best floral street competition.

‘We are keen to see people work together to put in an entry for their street or housing estate,’ said Floral Guernsey co-ordinator Peter Falla.

More information about the competition is available in a guide, sent to all previous entrants and to industry sector groups.

It is also available from Le Friquet Plant Centre, St Martin’s Garden Centre and Raymond Falla House and on the web site www.floralguernsey.gg

The closing date for entrants is 11 June, with judging in mid-July. Awards will be presented on 28 July.