NORTH Berwick in Bloom has seen its plans for the year hugely affected by the coronavirus pandemic but has tried its best to keep the town looking colourful.

Much of the group’s work this year has had to change due to Covid-19 and several of its volunteers have been shielding.

The few that have continued with gardening have been forced to work alone.

With April and May being dry months with little rain, the gardening group realised it would not be able to manage the extra demand of watering 100 hanging baskets on High Street, a popular feature in the town.

As a result, the number of hanging baskets was greatly reduced, with displays being located at Bank Street and Quality Street.

Libby Morris, chair of North Berwick in Bloom, said: “We sincerely hope that all the shops and businesses on High Street will survive the pandemic and be able to open again.

“We look forward to reinstating the baskets again next year, when High Street will be back to its normal vibrant self.”

The Royal Horticulture Society is running a sunflower challenge and encouraging young people to plant sunflowers to brighten up their community.

North Berwick in Bloom received 10 packets of sunflower seeds and these were distributed along with 200 sunflower seedlings on May 30 at its annual tulip bulb ‘giveaway’.

The group’s three junior members planted some seeds in the Abbey greenhouse during the February half-term; members of North Berwick Gardening Club and Sustaining North Berwick also helped.

Details are available on posters in Sweet News’ shop window and the volunteer noticeboard on Quality Street; more information on the competition is available on North Berwick in Bloom’s website.

Finally, a sunflower challenge pallet garden in front of the Abbey Church was planted with yellow and white flowers and it is being looked after by the junior members, who water and dead-head the plants.

The competition will be judged in August, with prizes awarded to the tallest plant, biggest flower and best picture and craftwork.