The results of the annual Wight in Bloom competition, organised by Visit Isle of Wight were revealed today (Thursday 18 July) at a ceremony at Albert Cottage in East Cowes.
Wight in Bloom celebrates those in the community who have worked their green fingered magic to provide incredible displays for all to enjoy – including the Island’s millions of visitors.
The ceremony was hosted by Isle of Wight High Sherriff Graham Biss and Visit Isle of Wight chairman David Curtis-Brignell.
Wight in Bloom Patron Alan Titchmarsh was unable to be at the awards in person, but sent a video apologizing for his absence and congratulating everyone on their hard work and effort, calling the Isle of Wight a ‘special treasure’ and praising the work of everyone who makes it ‘even more beautiful than it would otherwise be’ and confirmed his ‘lifelong support’ for Wight in Bloom.
High Sheriff Graham Biss BEM DL, said that Wight in Bloom could only work with the participation of the Island’s community:
‘I think Wight in Bloom is so fantastic, we’re bringing all members of our community together and promoting the Island. We live in a special place, but the gardens and the natural environment is so important in the fabric of the Island, and it’s fantastic that we’re able to celebrate the excellence which we’re holding in that particular area.
‘I think it is really important that we do celebrate success and we promote everything that is good about the Island.’
Winners received a certificate, made from reclaimed wood by the brand ‘By Mrs M’, sponsored by Southern Vectis, and category winners received an RNLI welly planter, in the year that the organisation celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea.
As well as winning the category of Best Small Tourist Attraction Garden, Farringford Estate was named the overall winner, taking home the Peggy Jarman Trophy, named for Peggy who was an ardent supporter of Wight In Bloom. The judges said of the garden: ‘I am sure Lord Alfred would be most impressed what a beautiful garden. So much planning has gone into this garden by the whole estate team and many volunteers.’
Ellen Penstone-Smith, joint head gardener at Farringford said that the winning the Peggy Jarman Trophy was incredible:
‘The garden is only 7 years old, when we started, it was just a field. My husband and I started with nothing, not even gardening tools, and I did the initial designs, so it’s kind of my baby. Then to go on and win the Peggy Jarman Trophy as the overall winner, when the garden is looking the best it’s ever looked, is so special.
‘This year we’ve had the best feedback from our visitors, as soon as they walk through the gates, they have their breath taken away. As a garden, it’s so wild and carelessly ordered – there’s obviously been a lot of planning to it, but it’s a very natural, very free and loose garden, full of flowers at the moment, and it is so nice to be recognised as being up there with some the best gardens on the Island!’
As the winner of the Peggy Jarman Trophy, Farringford also received vouchers to visit local attractions English Heritage’s Osborne and the National Trust’s Mottistone.
Broadlea Primary School, who won the Young Peoples Initiative, also received an extra prize of a class day out, courtesy of the Model Village at Godshill.
Island Riding Centre was named the Best Large Commercial Garden, with judges citing that is was a large area and the team supported ‘the land with rotation, it is fully organic and has habitat creation for moths and other insects.’
Louise Buckner from Island Riding Centre was overjoyed to win the award:
‘I was completely shocked, genuinely! It means such a lot to us and also to the children that have helped because we have lots children come here, with disadvantages, like Barnardo’s children, SEN children and they help me plant some of the wild meadows, we count the dung beetles in the horse manure, and then use the manure to put back in to the planting, and we’re really into ecology and keeping it completely organic and natural.’
Louise said she encourages other Island businesses to take part in Wight in Bloom:
‘It highlights just how wonderful the Island is, we’re lucky with the climate, but with everyone working together, it’s amazing – I’ll definitely be entering next year!’
David Curtis-Brignell MBE, Chairman of Visit Isle of Wight said:
‘I am delighted to have been asked to host this year’s Wight in Bloom, recognising the hard work and dedication of the very talented people who have entered this competition – and I would like to thank every single person who helps to make this Island look so fantastic when the flowers are in bloom, bringing a burst of colour to each corner of the Island.
‘Congratulations to the worthy winners, whose efforts are outstanding and a special thank you to the judges, who give up their time and lend their expertise to ensure that Wight in Bloom is a great success.
David continued:
‘It is only with the support from the Wight BID and our partners that we can encourage and celebrate those who strive to help the Island look the best it possibly can, and I’d like to thank everyone who played a part in making this happen.’
ENDS
Images attached of winners and selection of garden images (WeTransfer link lasts 12 months) https://we.tl/t-eQD1UFheON
Full list of winners and runners up:
Best Small Front Garden (winner) – Pat Jefferies
Best Small Front Garden (runner up) – Joan Dyer
Best Small Front Garden (highly commended) – Andria Richards
Best Large Front Garden (winner) – William Thurbin
Best Large Front Garden (runner up) – Jane Cross
Best Small Tourist Attraction Garden (winner) – Farringford Estate
Best Small Tourist Attraction Garden (runner-up) – Rylstone Tea Gardens and Crazy Golf
Best Large Tourist Attraction Garden (winner) – Blackgang Chine
Best Large Tourist Attraction Garden (runner-up) – Carisbrooke Castle
Best Commercial Garden (winner) – Island Riding Centre
Best Commercial Garden (runner-up) – Luccombe Hall Hotel
Best Commercial Garden (highly commended) – Haven Hall Hotel
Pride of Place Floral Project (winner) – Bembridge Parish Council War Memorial Garden
Pride of Place Floral Project (runner up) – Havenstreet Community Association
Best Young People Initiative (winner) – Broadlea Primary School
Best Young People Initiative (runner-up) – Godshill Primary School
Best Young People Initiative (highly commended) – St Georges School
Best Edible Garden (winner) – Nicola Fradgley
Best Edible Garden (runner-up) – Glenn Martin
Best Container Garden (winner) – Nicky Robinson
Best Container Garden (runner up) – Aly & Gary Inman
Best Care Giving Complex Garden (winner) – Bucklers View Housing Care
Best Care Giving Complex Garden (runner up) – IOW Ambulance Station Rest and Well Being Garden
Best Climate Resilient Garden (winner) – Sarah Starsmore, The Red Barn
Best Climate Resilient Garden (runner up) – Rylstone Tea Gardens and Crazy Golf
Patrons Award – Model Village Godshill
Peggy Jarman Trophy (overall winner) – Farringford Estate