Stanghow

In the introduction to the visit, the Secretary of the Residents Association said that the village was “united in a common purpose through our gardening activities” and that shone through the entire time we were in this beautiful community.

The scenic grandeur has not stopped them all from making many, appropriate enhancements in a sustainable way, and the enthusiasm of everyone was obivous. The judges were pleased to be greeted with excellent weather, which had the added advantage of bringing the smiles out on the press call at the end of the tour.

Almost every resident in the village is either directly involved in the Bloom group or at least maintaining gorgeous front gardens. The display of the wheelbarrow and the Blacksmith at the Village Hall is colourful and beautifully maintained. The village entrances have been enhanced with attractive displays and there is ample evidence of spring planting of daffodils and native bluebells in the narrow verges.

New tree planting has also taken place in verges, using appropriate trees suited to the harsh climate of the area.

The judges added that they loved the focus on the rural and agricultural heritage and they praised the excellent levels of community involvement which has done so much in such a short time to enhance the village for the people and not just to win awards.