TORRENTIAL rain is battering the hopes of villages in the Spalding area entering the East Midlands In Bloom competition.
Judging takes place next month but volunteers in Holbeach and Sutton Bridge are struggling to get ready in time.
Holbeach In Bloom volunteer Carol Johnson said: “We chose plants that would stand up to the drought conditions we were experiencing at the time, but it seems to have rained continuously ever since we had the plug plants delivered in early April.
“The cold weather has also meant the plants did not grow as we expected, which is why we are a little late with the baskets.
“We hope people will understand we are doing our best under the conditions we have.”
The new team of 12 volunteers is hoping for some extra help.
Carol said: “We are asking if all residents and businesses can make sure their bit of path or street is clean and weed free for when the judges visit.”
Sutton’s Bridge’s volunteers have been doing their best in spite of having just four members able to do any of the digging.
Hanging baskets will be going up on Friday evening and all of the east end of the village is now planted.
Janet Blundell, of Sutton Bridge In Bloom, said: “A lot of the containers are planted with begonias and they don’t do well in heavy rain.
“We thought we would be struggle to water them with the hosepipe ban in place, but now it’s gone from the sublime to the ridiculous.”
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee has saved the day in Spalding, with planters ready and hanging baskets in place for the celebrations.
Spalding In Bloom chairman Coun Angela Newton said: “We wanted the town to look nice for the jubilee so our tubs and troughs are out, as well as most of the hanging baskets.”
There are still six baskets waiting for sponsors. Coun Newton said: “It’s a bit disappointing more businesses haven’t come on board. Some of the multi-nationals don’t even reply to our letters. But we do have some news businesses, including the Maple Leaf cafe and Beales Department Store.”
Any businesses interested in having a hanging basket should email anewton@sholland.gov.uk