GETTING into the spirit of the season, shops and businesses throughout Haslemere have been putting some stunning floral arrangements on display. Along the High Street and stretching to Beacon Hill and Grayswood, pretty baskets and pots have been planted out to celebrate the summer months. Central Haslemere businesses including Raymond Reid Photographic, Haslemere Travel, Mann and Co, The Shoebox and Between the Lines are proudly displaying their baskets. While just round the corner, Haslemere fire station has been taking the time to water their potted plants. The Woodcock pub in Beacon Hill also added some colourful decoration to its outdoor patio area. Carrying on its tradition for eye-catching displays, The Wheatsheaf Inn on Grayswood Road did itself proud this year. Its display was also featured in The Daily Mail's national roundup of "Bloomin' Boozers". Landlord Ken Martin tries to create a Mediterranean theme in his patio area. Deputy town mayor Brian Howard said that an abundance of businesses have got involved this year in Haslemere High Street and in Wey Hill. All the flowers are supplied by a garden centre in Bury, which deal with orders from the shops on a bespoke basis. "They grow the flowers specifically to the requests of the businesses," said Melissa King from Marley Flowers. "They take into consideration the location of the shop, whether it is in a sunny spot or gets more shade." Haslemere Town Council pledges up to £2,000 for the floral displays. The majority of this funding goes towards paying for the collection of the baskets from the nearby garden centre and also putting them up and then taking them down outside the shops at the end of the season. "We greatfully acknowledge the contribution of the Clement Window Group which generously loans the use of a vehicle for the collection and distribution part of the job," added Mr Howard. The floral contribution to Haslemere High Street and beyond has received the commendation of Haslemere and District Chamber of Trade. "The chamber and business community really appreciates Haslemere in Bloom,' said chamber of trade president Ayra Ingvorsen. "The flowers really add to the charm of our beautiful town, helping to offer shoppers and visitors an attractive and pleasant environment to shop in. Long may it continue!"
