Local Residents invited to Weeping Cross nursery ahead of 2026 Heart of England in Bloom campaign
Local residents are being invited to take a rare behind-the-scenes look around Shrewsbury Town Council’s Weeping Cross nursery.
Over 300,000 plants are nurtured each year from plugs, cuttings and seeds to brighten the streets, gardens, and public spaces across the town.
Fresh from an RHS Gold-winning year at the Britain in Bloom UK Finals, the team behind the town’s much-loved floral displays are inviting the community to see where it all begins — and how Shrewsbury continues to set high floral standards.
The Greenhouse Open Evening takes place on Wednesday 20 May from 5:30pm at Shrewsbury Town Council’s Weeping Cross nursery, offering a unique opportunity for local residents to see the level of care that goes into Shrewsbury’s award-winning displays. Visitors can see thousands of vibrant summer bedding plants destined to feature in locations such as the Castle Carpet Bed, floral planters and The Dingle, the jewel in Shrewsbury’s crown.
This summer the Shrewsbury In Bloom committee will take the Heart of England in Bloom judges around Shrewsbury on Wednesday 22 July, with a brand-new judging route. This will comprise of a driving tour around the town and a walking tour of Shrewsbury’s town centre. The judges will see several planting schemes across the town centre, which will include commercial hanging baskets on business shop fronts, planting schemes at The Dingle and a new carpet bed design at Shrewsbury Castle, which is being dedicated to the Rotary Club, who are celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2026.
Stuart Farmer, Chairman of Shrewsbury in Bloom and Operations Manager at Shrewsbury Town Council, said:
"2025 was an incredible year for Shrewsbury, achieving three awards at the Heart of England in Bloom awards and an RHS Gold award at the Britain in Bloom UK Finals was a real testament to the hard work of our team and the wider community. The Greenhouse Open Evening is a fantastic opportunity to give people a behind-the-scenes look at how our displays come to life."
Helen Ball, Town Clerk for Shrewsbury Town Council, added:
"Our floral displays are something the whole town can take pride in, and they don’t happen without a huge amount of care, planning, and expertise. This event lets residents meet the team, see the plants up close, and understand why Shrewsbury continues to
achieve such high standards on a national stage. With judging later this summer, it’s an exciting time for all involved."
The free event will also feature planting demonstrations and opportunities to speak directly with the Town Council’s gardening staff and Bloom Committee members. Spaces are limited, so advance booking is essential via the Shrewsbury in Bloom website.
Shrewsbury in Bloom is a voluntary group dedicated to enhancing the town through floral displays, environmental improvements, and community projects, leading Shrewsbury’s entries into regional and national competitions each year.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see the expertise and care behind Shrewsbury’s award-winning floral displays – an inspiring evening for gardeners, nature lovers, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of the town.
