LIPHOOK in Bloom is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
The traffic passing through Liphook had taken its toll over the years and in 1997 a group of friends decided to do something to improve the village’s appearance.
There was close liaison between local businesses, the parish council and Hampshire County Council, and Liphook in Bloom came into being.
The team started with no money and very little knowledge, but masses of enthusiasm.
Today, Liphook in Bloom has gardens throughout the village which are planted up for flowering in spring, summer and autumn.
There are several large three-tier planters throughout the area and in summer Liphook is awash with hanging baskets.
Liphook in Bloom is a volunteer initiative – no team member gets paid for their time, expertise or work.
The working team does all the gardening and the sponsors provide the funds to pay for all the plants, compost, and fertilisers, supplemented by a grant from the parish council.
School participation means that young people in the community are involved.
Liphook in Bloom has blossomed over the years and has won a Gold Award in the South and South East in Bloom competition on several occasions.
There is very little down time in the calendar, as when members are not gardening they are maintaining and erecting the Christmas lights. It was Liphook in Bloom who instigated the Poppies on the lamp posts for Remembrance Day.
The aim of Liphook in Bloom is to make the area attractive for all to enjoy whether they are residents, those who work in Liphook or people visiting the parish.
Members hope to bring a feel good factor to everyone and make them smile.