'Louth in Bloom 2024' launched

The Louth in Bloom competition, organised by Louth County Council, brings together communities in a shared commitment to enhance their surroundings in a celebration of collective effort, creativity, and environmental stewardship.

Now in its fifth year, Louth in Bloom encourages residents, businesses, and organisations to take pride in their environment and work towards creating spaces that are not only visually appealing but also sustainable and eco-friendly.

This annual competition has seen a growing number of participants, each year showcasing more innovative and stunning projects that highlight the county’s natural beauty.

Louth in Bloom invites individuals, groups, businesses and organisations across Louth to showcase their commitment to environmental guardianship and sustainable living through eight diverse categories:
Best Garden: Recognising private front gardens that showcase exceptional horticultural skills and creative design while promoting biodiversity.

• Best Small estate: acknowledging small housing estates that exhibit outstanding communal gardens, green spaces and overall enhancement.
• Best Medium estate: Commending Medium sized housing estates that demonstrate exceptional efforts in creating attractive communal areas and contributing to the visual charm of Louth
• Best Large estate: Honouring large housing estates that have made significant strides in enhancing their communal spaces, creating welcoming environments and adding to the overall vibrancy of the county.
• Best Business: Celebrating local businesses that have made significant efforts in enhancing their shop fronts and contributing to the visual charm of the community.
• Best Hospitality: Honouring hotels, restaurants, cafes, and other hospitality establishments that have created captivating and inviting entrances, adding to the overall vibrancy of Louth.
• Best Biodiversity Project: Commending projects that have made a significant impact on enhancing and preserving Louth's biodiversity, including habitat restoration, conservation initiatives, and educational programs.
• Best Innovative Sustainable Project: Recognising innovative projects that promote sustainability, eco-friendly technologies, and renewable energy solutions within the county.

The competition is judged by a panel of experts who evaluate entries based on creativity, sustainability, biodiversity, and community involvement. Winners of each category receive well-deserved recognition and prestigious awards at the Louth in Bloom Gala Awards Ceremony.

These accolades not only celebrate individual and collective achievements but also inspire and motivate others to pursue excellence in enhancing their own environments.

Cllr. Paula Butterly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, captures the spirit of the competition: “Louth in Bloom offers a fantastic opportunity for our community to unite and display our shared commitment to preserving and enhancing our environment. We invite everyone to participate and highlight their accomplishments in sustainable practices, gardening, and biodiversity conservation.”

Chief Executive Joan Martin also emphasises the broader impact:

"We believe that the appearance of our estates, businesses, and hospitality establishments plays a crucial role in creating attractive and thriving communities. The Louth in Bloom competition aims to recognise and appreciate the exceptional efforts made by our residents, businesses, and organisations in enhancing the visual charm of Louth."

To participate in the Louth in Bloom competition, please visit the official Louth County Council website www.louthcoco.ie/ louthinbloom where nomination forms are available to download or can be submitted through their online portal. The deadline for submissions is Friday 05th July 2024.