A group of budding gardeners from Longfield Care Home in Maldon are celebrating after being awarded two silver prizes at the 2025 Maldon in Bloom competition.
Maldon in Bloom is an annual event that awards gardeners in the local community who create stunning floral displays. Each year, the competition awards green-fingered participants who excel in their chosen categories at a celebratory event in the town. This year, the theme for gardeners to follow was ‘Air, Sea and Land’, inspired by the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The event encourages people of all ages to get involved, with a wide range of different categories including Allotment Plot , Community Garden, Decorated Business, Front Garden, Hanging Basket, Planter, Residential Care Home, School Garden or School Allotment and Youth Group Garden.
Preparations for this event started in April, when a group from Longfield began tidying their garden spaces, ready for seeds to be sowed. Over the course of the following few months, those taking part took pleasure in watering the seeds and watching them grow with a cup of tea in hand. This process not only gave everyone a shared goal but also promoted wellbeing by encouraging time spent outdoors in nature.
By June, there was great pride in seeing the red, white, and blue blooms flourishing—perfectly aligned with this year’s patriotic theme. Their vibrant displays caught the attention of the judges, with the variety of chosen plants leaving a lasting impression. However, with talented entrants participating each year, the group remained hopeful but cautious until the official results were announced.
Anticipation for the Maldon in Bloom final, which took place on the 16th July, excited the group from Longfield Care Home who were eager to find out if they had done enough!
Their entries were in the Residential Care Home category and Hanging Basket category so they sat patiently and waited for them to be called.
The awards ceremony, hosted by Mayor John Driver and Deputy Mayor James Burrell-Cook, was a joyous occasion. When Longfield was announced as the winner of silver awards in both categories, the team were delighted. Elsie, who took part in the project, beamed with pride as she received the certificates from the judges.
“I am very proud of our wins at the Maldon in Bloom awards”, said Home Manager, Gina. “This competition inspires us to beautify our garden spaces, and everyone who lives at Longfield enjoys playing a part. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate people’s gardening talents and bring the Maldon community closer together.”
