Guildford in Bloom held its annual gardening competition, in this its 40th year, taking it online during the pandemic.
Hosted by Guildford Borough Council, its says: “In line with the increased interest in gardening during lockdown, the entries in all categories were of an extremely high standard, making the work of the judges very hard indeed.”
Winners were announced at a glittering awards ceremony at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre on Tuesday last week (September 7), with entertainment of a gardening and floral theme provided by very talented members of Guildford Jazz.
The ceremony was hosted by BBC Radio Surrey’s Joe Talbot and prizes were presented by the Mayor of Guildford, Marsha Moseley, and many of Guildford in Bloom’s valued sponsors.
All entrants enjoyed a glass of fizz and birthday cake to celebrate the anniversary of the competition that encourages residents, schools and businesses to take an interest in sustainable horticulture and protect wildlife.
This year’s winner of the overall competition is Aspen Close Woodland on Merrow Common.
It was born from the Covid-19 lockdown as an opportunity to turn overgrown woodland in the cul-de-sac into a place all could enjoy.
Working parties of residents planted more than 200 native hedges, wild rose, elderflower, wild cherry, field maple, beech and blackthorn, together with snowdrops, wild garlic and bluebells.
Every generation has been represented from students to retirees, and in addition to the planting they have created easy access paths.
Self-assembly bird and bat boxes have been distributed to children for them to decorate, making them feel part of the transformation, and an up-cycled donated shed is now filled with books and puzzles for a free library exchange scheme within the community.
All local skills have been utilised to create a lovely painted logo, an etched name board, and regular meetings take place to continue planning into the future.
The chairman of Guildford in Bloom, Cllr Paul Spooner said: “I am delighted that we have been able to run a successful competition this year.
“Our thanks to all who have taken part and the judges feedback recognises the enthusiasm and efforts of all involved in all categories.
“I would like to thank all involved and particularly the judges for visiting every single entrant. Guildford in Bloom would not be as successful as it is without the support of sponsors and we would like to thank Guildford Borough Council, Silverback Studios and Chapters Financial, our platinum sponsors, who along with all of our sponsors allow us to run the competition.
“We are also particularly grateful to Guildford Jazz for providing spectacular entertainment for the awards evening, and to the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre for being the perfect venue.”
Gold and best in category winners are:
Full details of all the 2021 winners can be found on www.guildfordinbloom.com and details of the 2022 competition will be posted early in the new year.
This website is published by The Guildford Dragon NEWS
Contact: Martin Giles mgilesdragon@gmail.com
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