Pictured: Mavis Harper, the overall winner of whg's
gardening competition, in her back garden in Willenhall
People across Walsall have been rewarded for their blooming
gardens in whg's annual gardening competition.
The contest, sponsored by whg contractors Wates and Pinnacle,
was judged by a panel of four judges who visited the finalists'
gardens to pick this year's deserving winners.
It is the second time whg has organised the competition and a
total of 27 entries were received, an increase of 30% from last
year's contest.
First prize was awarded to Mavis Harper from Willenhall, who
came second in the competition last year.
Mavis, who is retired, said: "I was so pleased to come second
last year and entered again as a bit of fun but never expected to
win- I was over the moon! I spend a lot of time in my back garden
and really love it. People who come and visit say it's so tranquil
and it really is."
This year's contest also saw the introduction of the Good Life
award for the best use of garden space to produce fruit and
vegetables. The award went to Leonard Busby, of Leamore, who makes
use of a small area of his garden to grow a variety of fruit and
vegetables in pots and a greenhouse.
Leonard said: "I have got fruit trees and also grow
strawberries, carrots, runner beans, parsnips etc. You get a lot of
satisfaction from thinking 'I fancy a salad tonight' and walking
into your garden to pick the vegetables you've grown yourself. I
was really pleased to win the whg award and am going to spend my
award buying soil to carry on growing things in the garden."
Paul Mason, whg's Regeneration Programme Manager, said: "The
competition was a real success with the number of entries up 30%
compared to last year. The quality was extremely high and the
judges loved going to take a look at some of the lovely gardens we
have in the borough. I'd like to congratulate everybody that took
part."
Prizes were awarded in three categories:
• best house/bungalow garden
• best balcony/container/window box display
• best small/courtyard garden
There was a first, second and third prize of a trophy and prize
vouchers ranged from £20 to £50 for each class.