Bonnie Blantyre are finalists in this year’s prestigious Britain in Bloom contest!
One of only four from Scotland in this year’s Britain in Bloom contest, Bonnie Blantyre was originally set up by Susan Lindner-Kelly to celebrate all things special about the town.
The group, which is supported by the council’s Sustainable Communities Engagement team as part of our commitment to the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-27, started as a small project growing sunflowers and litter picking.
But it has continued to grow and now runs a host of events each year and has its very own community garden and orchard supported by local schools and businesses. And volunteers grow crops such as potatoes and tomatoes which are donated to local food banks.
Susan and her mum Margaret are often seen around the town in their bee costumes, bringing smiles and cheer wherever they go as well as raising awareness.
Lanarkshire Beekeepers also play a vital role in protecting our bee populations.
World Bee Day takes place on 20 May each year to mark the importance of bees in the health of our planet. We rely on bee pollinations for around a third of the food we eat but there has been a dramatic decline in the bee population over the last 50 years.
This year you can chat to Susan and Margaret and enjoy time at the Bothwell Community Garden for Bee Friendly Bothwell, 30 Blantyre Road Bothwell G71 8PJ, and Dobbies Sandyholm Garden Centre, Crossford, ML8 5QF, between 11am-4pm.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust has also shared some ideas on what you can do to help the bees:
- Plant bee-friendly plants in your garden, terrace, window boxes
- Leave areas in your garden wild
- Create a bee hotel
- Avoid using pesticides
Amazing ladies doing fantastic work.
I am full of admiration for them.
Best wishes in the contest.