The talented pair – who have created an amazing space that’s brimming with unusual and quirky features – were invited to join other residents at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme to find out the results of summer gardening competitions which formed part of the borough’s award-winning Heart of England in Bloom campaign in the Business Improvement District category for the first time.

The “Go Bloomin’ Green” theme, marking 60 years of the Royal Horticultural Society, encouraged people to focus on the environment and sustainability. Judges visited schools, allotment sites, residential gardens, community gardens, businesses and licensed premises throughout the borough in June and July.

Entrants were presented with donated prizes, certificates and trophies.

Accepting his mum and dad’s award on their behalf, son Danny said: “My mum and dad will be really happy to win this award after all of their hard work. They dedicate their whole life to gardening as it brings them so much joy – spending hours in their garden every day all year round – so it’s really nice recognition. My parents are always thinking of something new and different to do – this year they have salvaged a large boat, which was destined for landfill, and also an old lobster basket – which is used as a prop for flowers and plants – to create a seaside theme. They also grow their own plants from cuttings and seeds.

“They even have a house rainwater recycling system where they pump filtered rainwater to different areas of their large garden using a 1,000 litre tank.”

Newcomer Robert Dutton received the accolade for most environmentally friendly garden for creating a unique area – using minimal space and expenditure with most plants being propagated from seed, cuttings or division – while showing his dedication to recycling everything possible.
It’s a double whammy for Kidsgrove Care Solutions who have won the  community gardens section and the special feature award in memory of keen horticulturist Alfred Birch.

Enthusiastic volunteers  transformed a neglected area at Chesterton Park into a
thriving hub featuring an excellent allotment and vibrant planting.
Stock by Feasted, a vibrant bar and restaurant in Newcastle town centre, is
celebrating after gaining the outstanding achievement award in memory of Ros Bason.

Judges praised owner Cris Cohen’s (pictured) “plant to plate” policy which involves growing a variety of produce in an amazing kitchen garden, a nearby raised bed which has been transformed with help from local college students.

Cllr. Craig Skelding, Cabinet member for leisure, culture and heritage said: “Our annual awards ceremony at the New Vic continues to be one of the main highlights in the bloom calendar. It’s an event we all look forward to as it’s a great way to thank everyone for their efforts and round off the year. This time, we are also celebrating our supporting role in helping Newcastle BID to win two major awards in Heart of England in Bloom as well as
being selected to represent the region in next year’s national Britain in Bloom competition.

“The council’s gardening competitions play an important part in the borough’s entry by bringing communities together, through their shared love of horticulture, to help make Newcastle-under-Lyme an even nicer place to live, work and visit. Everyone involved continues to do their bit to improve the quality of life in their area and the competitions give people a real focus, something that many have come to rely on in the last few years.

“The judges were excited to visit all the amazing projects and it was great to see the important theme of environmental sustainability coming through the entries in many different ways. Well done to all the nominees and winners: the standard was extremely high once again. Special congratulations go to Maureen and Graham who manage to come up with something different, and equally fantastic, every single year. Their garden is highly wildlife sympathetic with so many examples. Wildlife can be observed using binoculars, photography and a simple laboratory procedure which enable you to examine things like seeds and owl pellets in minute detail.”

In the allotments category: Graham and Christine Hyatt – who tend to a “pristine and inspired plot” at The Acre in Silverdale – are the overall winners for showing “exceptional creativity” with their hand-carved signage, wildlife theme and high quality produce.

The “best vegetable plot” award goes to Steve and Chanikarm Bowler
Care home Samuel Hobson House, in Wolstanton, has come out on top in the licensed premises/businesses section in recognition of a beautiful garden featuring a colourful array of annuals and perennials.

Keele University Day Nursery achieved top marks in the schools category.
The Coppice Academy in Newcastle was been named “best eco school” for their tree planting, wildflower meadow, wildlife habitats, new pond area and enthusiastic pupils who take great pride in their environment.