Winners announced for Aylesbury in Bloom Garden Competition

Aylesbury Town Council has announced the winners of its annual Aylesbury in Bloom Garden Competition, which celebrates the green thumbs and creative talents of residents, businesses and charities.

Since the competition first began in 2005, it has attracted hundreds of participants from within the Parish of Aylesbury. This year's competition saw a brilliant display of dedication and passion in gardening.

Entrants were awarded prizes by the Mayor of Aylesbury, Cllr Steven Lambert, and Michael Donnachie from Michael Anthony Estate Agents at an awards evening on Thursday 21 September at the Aylesbury Canal Society.

Local gardening experts gave their time throughout the summer to visit 28 gardens to determine if entrants would receive a Certificate, Bronze, Silver, Silver Gilt or Gold award. The following awards were unveiled on Thursday evening:

Front Garden

Silver - Nirmala Takodra, Paul Stroud

Silver Gilt - Phil Welch, Gillian Henley, Dovile Putramente, Kelly Smith and Emily Baughan, William and Teresa Dore, Daniel Riley, Paul Trayling

Gold - Peter Binns

Back Garden

Silver - Peter Binns, Nirmala Takodra, Dovile Putramente, Carla Harder
Silver Gilt - Stuart Reid, Phil Welch, Paul Stroud, Sarah Franklin, Thomas Brown
Gold – Mr and Mrs Ridgeway, Ron and Heather Murray, Paul Flower, Emma and Craig Matthews, Kelly Smith and Emily Baughan, Jo Tunnell, Glen and Londa Quanico

Edible Garden

Silver Gilt – Stuart Reid, Ron and Heather Murray

Gold – Kelly Smith and Emily Baughan

Container Garden

Silver Gilt – Phil Welch, Paul Stroud

Gold – Henk Swanepoel, Mr and Mrs Ridgeway, Emma and Craig Matthews, Jo Tunnell, Mr and Mrs Walker

Wildlife/Nature Garden
Silver Gilt – Daniel Riley, Paul Stroud

Gold – Ron and Heather Murray

Communal Garden

Silver Gilt - Masonic Housing, The King's Head

Gold – Horatio's Garden, Florence Nightingale Hospice, Poplar Grove Practice, St Peter's Church

Community Edible Garden

Silver – Poplar Grove Practice

Silver Gilt – The King's Head

Gold – St Peter's Church

The judges also gave special awards to the following entrants:

• Best Newcomer – Daniel Riley

• Best Edibles – Kelly Smith and Emily Baughan

• Best Wildlife – Ron and Heather Murray

• Best Design – Jo Tunnell

• Mayor's Cup – Best Overall Community Garden – Florence Nightingale Hospice

• Best Overall Garden – Paul Flower

Local schools were presented with their awards in June by the Town Mayor. View the results here: aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk/news/local-students-take-on-gardening-challenge

The Town Council is grateful for the support of Michael Anthony Estate Agents for sponsoring the competition, the judges and everyone who took part. The competition will return in spring 2024.