Winners of In Bloom awards announced

Sep 25 2012 By Jenny Gray

DELIGHTFUL gardens have been rewarded in both borough and capital-wide competitions.

Green-fingered people were given their prizes last week at the annual Hillingdon in Bloom awards, which were judged over the summer.

Despite tricky conditions this year, such as a wet, cold spring and little sunshine in the summer months, a number of spectacular gardens caught the judges’ eyes.

They included Alan Ellington’s garden in St Mary’s Road, Harefield, which won the novelty garden category.

Retired Mr Ellington said his ‘gold medal’ effort was a legacy of London 2012.

He said: “I was inspired by the Olympics and created a version of the Olympic mascot in my garden, and also an Olympic torchbearer.

“I made them both out of pipes and other materials.

“I have entered the awards many times before but never the novelty. I was very surprised to have won – very happy too.”

The Hut pub, in Old Orchard Close, Hillingdon, scooped the prize for best business premises, while the Rural Activities Garden Centre, in West Drayton, won the Roome Cup for conservation.

Ryefield Primary School, in Ryefield Avenue, Hillingdon, was the winner of the best school garden category, and Michael Sobell House at Mount Vernon Hospital, in Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, was the permanent display winner.

Other awards included best balcony display, residential street, hotel, ‘bloomin’ pub’, window box, hanging basket, first time entry and communal garden.

On a wider stage, the borough also scooped a number of accolades in the London in Bloom awards.

Hillingdon was crowned the overall winner of the large city category, and retained its silver gilt award for the fourth year running.

Breakspear Crematorium, Eastcote House Gardens and Poor’s Field at Ruislip Lido all won gold in their categories.

Poor’s Field was also awarded the title of London Common of the Year.

Another nine parks and open spaces, including cemeteries, received silver gilt or silver awards in a number of categories.

Councillor Jonathan Bianco, Hillingdon Council’s cabinet member for finance, property and business services, said: “This is an outstanding achievement; a lot of effort goes into keeping the borough so green and leafy.

“We have more land under green flag status than any other borough and it’s wonderful to achieve further recognition at London In Bloom.”