Community, Creativity and Colour Shine Across the Borough
Ards and North Down Borough Council proudly celebrated the outstanding achievements of local residents, schools, businesses and community groups at the 2025 Ards and North Down In Bloom Awards, held on Thursday 23 October at the picturesque Orange Tree House, Greyabbey. The event recognised the dedication and imagination that keep the Borough’s towns and villages vibrant and flourishing.
Guest speaker Amy Kelly, founder of Amy Kelly Gardening and a regular voice on BBC Radio Ulster’s Gardener’s Corner, inspired attendees with her talk on sustainable and beautiful food growing, encouraging communities to reimagine their green spaces.
Celebrating Local Talent and Dedication
The In Bloom Awards honoured a wide range of green-fingered achievements:
Best School Gardening Project
Winner: Lakewood School, Bangor — A sanctuary of growth and learning, featuring a restored pond, fruit and vegetable gardens, and a therapeutic, nature-led approach.Runner Up: St. Mary’s Primary School, Portaferry — Gardening at the heart of learning, from sensory spaces to recycling and biodiversity initiatives.Runner Up: Alexander Dickson Primary School, Ballygowan — Themed raised beds, pollinator planting, and an Eco Committee leading by example.
Tallest Sunflower Competition
Winner: Abigail Pattison – 301cmRunner Up: Olivia Long – 264cmRunner Up: Penny Storey – 249cm
Painting Competition (10 and Under)
Winner: Mason Wilkinson (Killard House School) – A bright sunflower against a blue background with excellent blending and colour choice.Runners Up: Lydia Wright (Loughries Primary School), Ivy New (Loughries Primary School), Calvin Mawhinney (Killard House School).
Painting Competition (16 and Under)
Winner: Chloe Graham (Movilla High School) – A beautiful rose in a vase, detailed with a patterned tablecloth.Runners Up: Katie McKeag (Movilla High School), Corey Goldthorpe (Killard House School), Bethany Murphy (Killard House School).
Best Kept Commercial Premises
Winner: Pier 36 – Full of colour and character, enhancing the local area and delighting visitors.Runners Up: Hoops Courtyard and Coffee Shop, Greyabbey; The Stables, Groomsport; Groomsport Inn.
Best Community Planting Scheme
Winner: Portaferry In Bloom – Vibrant, sustainable planting and strong community involvement, including new gardens, hedging, and produce donations to the local foodbank.Runner Up: Groomsport Village Association; Bayburn Community Association; Ballywalter Community Action Group.
Best Kept Front Garden
Winner: Sean Lennon – A beautifully planted, colourful garden full of variety and wildlife-friendly touches.Runner Up: Billy and Jackie McClean; Elaine McFeeters; Ian McCormick
Gardening for Wildlife Award
Winners: Victoria and Darren Colville – A wonderful garden designed to attract and support wildlife.Runners Up: Derek McClure; Rooted in the Dee; The Hanna Family.
Volunteer of the Year
Winner: Liz McWatters – Celebrated for her tireless commitment, creativity, and leadership in Donaghadee’s environmental and floral projects. Liz’s enthusiasm and community spirit continue to inspire others.
Special Recognition
At the regional Best Kept Awards, Ards and North Down saw huge success:
Groomsport – Best Kept Large Village
Donaghadee – Best Kept Small Town
Bangor – Runner-Up, City Category
Holywood – Runner-Up, Medium Town
Newtownards – Finalist, Large Town Category.
This year’s ceremony was further enriched by the success of the Borough at the Ulster in Bloom Awards, also held on 23 October, where Donaghadee was awarded 1st place in the Town Category and Crawfordsburn achieved an impressive 2nd place in the Village Category, a remarkable feat for its first year of entry.
Donaghadee will also be hoping for further blooming success as they compete in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom Finals, taking place on Friday 31 October 2025 at the Linden Suite, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire.
Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, commented:
“These awards are a testament to the passion and pride our residents and communities have for their local environment. From colourful gardens to sustainable planting schemes, the creativity and commitment on display is truly inspiring.”
The Council extends heartfelt congratulations to all participants and looks forward to another year of growth, greenery and community spirit.
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