DEVIZES Mayor Judy Rose got her fingers dirty when she took part in Plant In The Park during half term week.

She was at Hillworth Park for the event which encouraged youngsters to find out about how to grow their own flowers and vegetables.

Park staff along with members of Devizes In Bloom were on hand to offer advice to the young gardeners.

In Bloom chairman Zena Robson said: “What a lot of fun was had at our annual Plant in the Park event.

“Thanks to everyone who came and also to our amazing Devizes in Bloom Committee for being on hand to help our younger park-goers to have such a lovely afternoon.”

She is also preparing for Open Garden weekend which will take place in Devizes on June 15 and 16.

It will raise money for the Mayor’s chosen charities. Ms Robson said: “Our 19 Open Gardeners are being equipped as we speak with their Cornflower signs and arrows to point the way to their gardens for you.

“Maps are now available in outlets including The Town Hall, Hillworth Park cafe and Devizes Books. They cost £5 per adult and cover both days.

“Open Gardeners will also have spare maps for sale.”

Children from schools and nurseries across the town are also preparing for a competition with the theme SOS 4 Bugs and Beez.

Ms Robson said: “It will be highlighting the huge decline in the insect population that has been taking place over the past 50 years. Businesses have been asked to dress their windows in June to support the theme and we are also asking pubs and hotels to use their garden spaces.

“Schools are creating mini gardens on an old pallet decorated with pollinating insects. All entries will be displayed on the roundabout by The Greens and will be judged by the Mayor at the end of June.”

In July the town’s Devizes In Bloom competitions will be run in various categories. Entries should be made to the town hall by June 21.