Sunderland wins green city award

The Tyne and Wear city of Sunderland is celebrating its latest horticultural accolade this week, after winning recognition for its flora at the Northumbria in Bloom event.

This year, the competition's organisers focused on promoting the "fun" of gardening and its ability to enhance work and residential space in UK cities year-round, the Sunderland Echo reported.

Commenting on the requirements for prize-worthy entrants, Eileen Burn, the chairwoman of Northumbria in Bloom, told the regional newspaper: "Floral excellence is vital, but not enough.

"These days, permanent sustainable planting involving trees and shrubs, conservation projects, cleanliness and year-round community effort are all included in final marks."

Other winners included Durham, Darlington and Stockton, according to the Northern Echo.

Gardens play an important role in all aspects of the Sunderland community. The city runs a gardening club for blind and visually impaired people at the Sensory Garden in Barley Mow Park.

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