40th Anniversary Guildford In Bloom Winners Announced

Published on: 12 Sep, 2021
Updated on: 12 Sep, 2021

Guildford in Bloom held its annual gardening competition, in this its 40th year, taking it online during the pandemic.

Guildford in Bloom’s 2021 category winners, sponsors and committee at the awards ceremony held at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre on Tuesday, September 7.

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.”

Guildford Jazz provided the musical entertainment.

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.

Cutting the cake to mark the 40th anniversary of Guildford in Bloom.

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.

Aspen Close Woodland – overall winners.

Aspen Close Woodland.

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:

Best School in Bloom: Glenesk Pre-Prep and Nursery School, East Horsley.

Best Container Garden: Mr and Mrs Baker.

Best Garden for Wildlife: joint winners: Johan J Ingles-Le Nobel (pictured above) and Stephen and Susan Renaud (pictured below).

Best Site for Nature Conservation: Clandon Wood Nature Reserve and Natural Burial Ground.

Best Pub in Bloom: Gomshall Mill.

Best Allotment/Kitchen Garden: Les and Stella Hind. They also won the Best Themed Entry (Blooming 40).

Best Front Garden – Small: Barbara Owen.

Best Front Garden – Large: Peter and Joan Smith.

Best Young Gardener: Isobel – aged nine.

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.