News and communications

Gardening competition is a bloomin’ success

Last updated: 26 September 2012 15:12

Budding young gardeners scooped a top prize at the popular Portsmouth in Bloom awards, run by Portsmouth City Council.

Pupils in the Young Gardeners Club at Court Lane Junior School won first prize in the ‘school gardens cultivated by children’ category, followed by Admiral Lord Nelson School in second place.

The Young Gardeners Club was set up by gardening enthusiast and teacher at the school, Helen Beer, as a way for children to get outside, get active and have a go at gardening.

She said:

“It’s the first time we’ve entered a competition, so I’m thrilled we got first prize. The children are all so motivated, they love gardening and worked really hard.

“They have grown all of the vegetables in the garden from seeds which gives them a real sense of ownership. I’m so proud, they definitely deserved to win.”

The Portsmouth in Bloom awards evening celebrated the beautiful gardens and spaces that people have created, and all the hard work that went into them.

The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr Frank Jonas, awarded certificates to prize winners. The evening, at Admiral Lord Nelson School, was attended by 120 people who entered the competition, including the schools, and sponsors Colas and Portsmouth Water. There was a special presentation by Richard Jones, the council’s countryside ranger on Portsdown Hill, and a buffet with refreshments was provided.

Paul Miles, who runs the Portsmouth in Bloom competition at the council, said:

“We had over 100 people enter the competition this year, for what has been a very challenging spring and summer weather-wise. I was really impressed with the standard of entries and the huge amount of effort everyone made.

“I would like to say a big thank you to all the gardeners that took part, and everyone that made the awards ceremony such a fantastic evening. Let’s hope we have a better growing season next year!”