Camden losing its petals

One of my favourite memories from my time as a councillor between 2006 and 2010 was being presented with an award at Camden in Bloom for my work as Camden Eco Champion. The council chamber was packed with residents who really knew their marigolds from their chrysanthemums, their lilac from their buddleja, and their hemlock from their wild chervil. They were there to celebrate nature.

“Camden in Bloom” was a bright spot amongst many dark clouds. But now “Camden in Bloom” is threatened with the axe like so much else.

That feels like a real shame – especially as more and more residents are gardening and growing food is becoming ever more popular.Just look at the smiling faces among the budding gardeners from north London schools who won an award at this year's event (see photo below).

Lots of people get enjoyment out of “Camden in Bloom” and it can’t cost anything like as much to adminster as press reports suggest. In difficult times it feels like one the Labour Council could have kept in some shape or form. We need some sunflowers amid the gloom.