Bonjour and bon voyage as Plymouth’s flagship garden celebrates our French connections!

Plymouth’s flagship garden on the Hoe has a distinctly continental feel this year as the city celebrates its French connections.

Plymouth in Bloom is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the city’s twinning with Brest in France and 40 years of Brittany Ferries sailing from here to Roscoff.

Flying high above the garden's red, white and blue floral display are the flags of Brest, Plymouth, France and the UK. There are also two interpretation boards, one in English and one in French, giving a short history of the twinning.

Cllr Brian Vincent, Cabinet member for the Environment said: “This is a wonderful way to celebrate our associations with our neighbours across the Channel. The garden will look fabulous with the red, white and blue beds and will be a colourful backdrop to the many events on the Hoe this summer.”

Alain Sibiril, Honorary Consul for France was on the first Brittany Ferries sailing from Roscoff to Plymouth. He added: "I am grateful to Plymouth City Council for their initiative to mark the 50th anniversary of the strong links between Plymouth and Brest which also coincides with the 40th anniversary of Brittany Ferries first sailing into Millbay Docks with me on board on 3 January 1973, just two days after the European Union was celebrating the arrival of a new member, the United Kingdom.

“I have lived and worked in this city ever since, watching the barriers between our two countries erode to the benefit of both."

Richard Price from Brittany Ferries said: “2013 is our 40th year of carrying passengers and freight between Plymouth and Roscoff, linking the south west with Brittany and beyond. We’ve worked closely with customers, partners and suppliers across these regions and look forward to continuing these partnerships in the years ahead.

“As a mark of this milestone, our home port of Roscoff is hosting a colourful four day festival called ‘Entre Terre et Mer’ - from 27 to 30 June - as well as the final leg of the Route des Princes sailing race.”

Plymouth in Bloom is a chance for gardeners, allotment holders, businesses and schools to help create a city ablaze with colour where communities work together to improve the outdoor environment. This year they can put their green fingers to work to enter a range of categories and have the option of embracing the French theme.

The competition is run by Plymouth City Council’s Street Scene team and has an elected committee to give the community more input and control of the campaign.

The closing date for entries is 5 July 2013. For further details go to www.plymouth.gov.uk/bloom