The finalists for Wight In Bloom 2018 have been revealed this week.
The event, now in it’s fifth year, has seen over 125 entries in 9 categories this year, including best commercial garden and best edible garden.
Sponsored by Red Funnel, Liz Earle and Visit Isle of Wight, the competition sets out to demonstrate that the Island really is the ‘Garden Isle’.
This year’s winners will be announced at a ceremony on 21st September, hosted by gardening expert and former High Sheriff, Alan Titchmarsh.
Will Myles, MD of Visit Isle of Wight explains that Wight In Bloom is important to Islanders and visitors:
“It’s something that people want to see, they want to see lovely gardens, pubs, floral arrangements at hotels or attractions. The Island is classed as the Garden Isle, that is a huge accolade for the people that live here and we’re very proud of that and we want to show it off to our visitors.”
Will says that the diversity of entrants showed how the community has come together for Wight In Bloom:
“There’s everything from primary schools to care in the community projects to edible gardens… everyone has got involved, it’s a real community effort and its the community getting together to show our visitors what we have on this Island and why they should come back.”
Article continues below this advertisement
The finalists are:
• Category 1 – Best Small Front Garden – 18 entries
Mr and Mrs Smallman, Susan Midgley and John Cavanagh
• Category 2 – Best Large Front Garden – 13 entries
Steve and Carol Denness, Mr F.S. Brett and Jo Hardy-Bishop
• Category 3 – Best Commercial Garden – 22 entries
Vernon Cottage, Bembridge Coast Hotel and Haven Hall
• Category 4 – Best Senior Citizen Complex – 9 entries
Mountbatten Hospice, Knights Court and The Limes
• Category 5 – Best Young People Initiative – 9 entries
Lucas Richards, Niton, Shalfleet and Wootton Primary Schools
• Category 6 – Best Community Floral Project – 7 entries
Sandown Green Town Volunteers, Northwood House, Sandown Railway Station
• Category 7 – Best Small Tourist Attraction Garden – 9 entries
Princess Beatrice Garden (Carisrooke Castle), Farringford Estate and Rylstone Tea Gardens
• Category 8 – Best Large Tourist Attraction Garden – 6 entries
Robin Hill Country Park, Ventnor Botanic Gardens and Mottistone Gardens
• Category 9 – Best Creative Use of a Small Space – 12 entries
Nicola Robinson, Graham and Jackie Smith, Elizabeth Allan
• Category 10 – Best Water Feature – 8 entries
Blow, Den Clarke and Mrs Patricia McCree
• Category 11 – Best Edible Garden – 9 entries
Pamela Toms, Sue and Andy Garner, Sue Cheek
