Seven gardening groups from across Plymouth converged on Devonport Park’s bandstand to receive awards from South West in Bloom judges.
The awards were all in the ‘In Your Neighbourhood category’ which are aimed at gardening projects by voluntary groups. The event was hosted by one of the recipients, the Friends of Devonport Park, who achieved a five star excellent status.
Seven awards under the It’s Your Neighbourhood scheme were presented by John Goulden, a South West in Bloom judge from Buckfastleigh.
They were made to a variety of projects ranging from a residential home with a courtyard garden – the Parkwood Residential Home in Stoke, to a city centre roof garden perched on top of garages created by Morley Court Residents Association in Compton.
Awards were also made for flower beds to brighten an urban street of post World War 11 flats in Buckwell Street by Plymouth Community Homes and plantings to improve the environment of a local estate in Devonport by Pembroke Estate Management Board.
A new venture was the floral lizard in Southway, an iconic planting outlined by stones painted by children living on Plymouth Community Homes’ Lizard Close estate. The established and on-going work at the host organisation, Friends of Devonport Park, was also recognised. The park provides sporting, cultural and recreational opportunities for large numbers of local people, including the disabled.
Finally the therapy provided to a range of clients including the homeless by the Plymouth Horticultural Therapy Trust received an award and two clients as well as the leaders attended. This project was commended as an excellent therapeutic site at the regional awards by the Head of South West in Bloom, Jon Wheatley.
South West in Bloom judge Josephine Spring was on hand to give insight into the judging process and offer encouragement.
The event was held in the ever popular Bandstand at Devonport Park and benefited from a mild sunny day. It was followed by refreshments in the Pavilion cafe with generous support from Plymouth Community Homes and the Friends of Devonport Park.
