A “magnificent” room-themed garden in Newcastle bursting with colour and artistic flair is officially the best residential garden in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
“Superb gardeners” Val Rogers and Chris Walters are the new headline winners of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s Newcastle in Bloom Awards.
The talented pair – whose garden “inspires, delights and enthuses the horticultural senses” with a great mix of trees, shrubs, plants and recycling features – joined other green-fingered gardeners at the New Vic Theatre this afternoon (Saturday, 27 September) to find out the results of summer gardening competitions which form part of the borough’s award-winning Heart of England in Bloom campaign in the Business Improvement District (BID) category.
This year’s “Local Bloomin’ Landmarks” theme called for competitors to demonstrate civic pride by celebrating sites that make the borough unique. As well as residential gardens, judges visited schools, allotments, community gardens, businesses and licensed premises.
Maureen and Graham Green – the main winners for the past four years – received the most environmentally-friendly garden accolade. Conservation and encouragement of wildlife is the ethos of their “colourful” and “interesting” space which features various habitats, a shed laboratory where the local community can observe insects and a Queens Gardens replica.
Dedicated gardener Kevin Bell triumphed in the hanging baskets category with “superbly maintained” examples at his home that provide a “riot of colour and enjoyment”.
Cllr. Craig Skelding, Cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Heritage, said:
Residents of all ages continue to play their part in improving their local communities as part of Newcastle in Bloom; a perfect example of Civic Pride and the important role that it plays in our lives. This year’s competitions attracted a record number of entries, over more than 30 years, which is fantastic. It’s lovely to welcome so many new faces to our growing Bloom family.
We’re thrilled to recognise everyone’s hard work by presenting certificates, donated prizes and the much-coveted trophies. The awards event is one of the highlights in the Bloom calendar. It was great to see so much effort being put in to highlight the landmarks that make our borough such a special place. Congratulations to all those involved.”
The outstanding achievement award was presented to Denny from Newcastle Hedgehog Rescue for her “tremendous” development work. Denny has created hedgehog runs, installed a new water and irrigation system from the river supply and carried out wildlife surveys. She also organises workshops, working with partners, for a variety of local groups.
A nostalgic depiction of the former Newcastle railway station, and Apedale Colliery, earned Neil Morris the special feature title. Neil’s shed served as a ticket office complete with old timetables, authentic signage and realistic sound effects. He also created a great display of coal made from recycled wood.
Meanwhile, Keele University Day Nursery received top marks in the schools category thanks to abundant vegetable plots and productive educational areas while first-time entry Bluebell School won “best eco-school” for their environmentally-friendly garden featuring vegetables, colourful pollinators, habitats and evidence of composting and recycling.
The other winners are –
Christine and Graham Hyatt – overall allotments category – for quality produce, wildlife and Philip Astley representation at their “brilliant” plot in Silverdale.
Kidsgrove Care Solutions – community gardens – for a “wonderful project” at Chesterton Memorial Park which included a model of Mow Cop Castle.
Leslie Goldspink – “best vegetable plot” for his well-stocked Lamb Street allotment.
Wolstanton Medical Centre – licensed premises/businesses sponsored by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID – for enhancing the environment outside the practice.
Prizes were donated by Black Star Ceramics, Garners Garden Centre, Jacksons Nurseries, Tea Room and Farm Shop; Morrisons in Newcastle, the New Vic Theatre and Tesco, Kidsgrove.
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