Garden designer sows seeds for blooming marvellous competition. TV presenter and award-winning garden designer, Kate Durr, is lending a hand to this year’s Malmesbury in Bloom competition.
Kate, former creative director of Highgrove’s popular ‘Talking Gardens’ festivals, will be on hand at the launch of the competition at Malmesbury’s Market Cross. It’ll take place on Saturday May 23, accompanied by the town crier and the mayor.
New this year
This year’s Malmesbury in Bloom includes, for the first time, a sunflower growing competition for youngsters. Kate will be handing out seeds from around 11am to 1pm on May 23. And also on June 6, again from around 11am to 1pm, alongside a Malmesbury Garden Club plant sale, which starts at 9am. You an also get seeds from the Tourist Information Centre from May 23 onwards.
As a passionate proponent of gardening for better physical, social and mental health, Malmesbury-born Kate expressed her delight at supporting Malmesbury In Bloom 2026. ‘Growing up in the town, it was always fabulous to see it bedecked with plants and flowers during past competitions. Malmesbury In Bloom is a wonderful event. And, by getting outside and immersing ourselves in nature to grow and tend plants, we can find happiness. Whether you’re an experienced grower or a green fingered novice, young or old, there’s a category for everyone. So join in the floriferous fun this summer.’
As well as the sunflower growing competition, Malmesbury in Bloom features a range of ‘best garden’ categories, for residents, retailers and businesses, based in Malmesbury or the surrounding villages. The closing date for all entries is July 1, with judging taking place during the week beginning July 20. The closing date for the sunflower growing competition is August 6.
Kate will be present at the awards evening on September 11, when all the winners are announced.
The Malmesbury in Bloom launch is one activity in a bumper weekend for the town. It celebrates the feast day of the town’s patron saint, St Aldhelm. There will be a flower display in St Aldhelm’s Church (May 23). And, once again, the EAT festival takes place on May 24. It brings together regional food producers, artisans and farmers.
For more information about all the events, and an entry form for Malmesbury in Bloom visit https://www.malmesbury.gov.uk/what-s-on/malmesburyinbloom.
