Newcastle in Bloom: New Vic Borderlines’  Strathcross planters get environmentally friendly

2nd July 2025

Six planters from New Vic Borderlines’ Strathcross group spent June exercising their green fingers, as they supported Newcastle-under-Lyme’s 2025 efforts in this year’s Britain In Bloom competition, including competing in the category of Community Gardening Groups, looking to improve their local areas.

Over the past few months, the Borderlines team and our Strathcross group have been exploring the theme of My Favourite Places as part of the Newcastle in Bloom campaign, contributing towards bringing the community together and promoting a competitive and sustainable economy. The six planters from the Strathcross group have put their gloves to good use, planting flowers in areas such as the Borough Arms Hotel. The group have also showcased their work in the New Vic Theatre’s Peace Garden to the Judges from Newcastle in Bloom on Tuesday 24 June.

Continuing to shine a light on Newcastle and the importance of improving the local environment, New Vic Borderlines hosted a workshop at the New Vic Theatre’s Open House Café this Tuesday. Led by the multidisciplinary and freelance artist Jessica Simms, participants got involved in a fun craft-based activity where they created and designed hats inspired by key landmarks and spaces in Newcastle-under-Lyme that highlight the town’s culture and history.

Judging towards Britain in Bloom will take place later this month with the judges measuring the overall impact of Newcastle-under-Lyme’s involvement in the ‘improvement of science, art and practice of horticulture in all its branches’ (The Royal Horticultural Society).

Families, friends and gardening lovers alike are invited to visit the sites planted in contribution to Britain in Bloom and experience how gardening can promote positivity in mental health, enhance biodiversity and bring communities together. Make sure to visit the New Vic’s Peace Garden on your next theatre trip!

Keep up to date with all the news from the New Vic, including updates from Borderlines, here or on our social media channels! We’re on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Find out more about Newcastle in Bloom here

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Britain in Bloom 6

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