Keen gardeners from all over the Island gathered at Northwood House on Friday (22nd July) to learn the results of Wight in Bloom 2022.
After a 2-year enforced absence due to COVID, the awards attracted 73 entries. There were 11 categories plus 2 special awards.
Ian Griffiths, Chairman of Visit Isle of Wight, who organised the competition, welcomed guests before introducing the Patron of the Awards, Alan Titchmarsh MBE.
Referring to what has been ‘a tricky year’, Alan remarked that with the dry weather at least the hostas had not been eaten by slugs. However, the good weather helped his succulents which grow very well outdoors in his garden in Cowes.
The overall winner, Richard Ridley from Lake, was presented with the Peggy Jarman Trophy. Richard’s outstanding entry was described as stunning and innovative with that wow factor. A perfect blend of plants.
Richard originally began keeping bees many years ago but when his late wife was almost the victim of a particularly bad reaction to a bee sting, he reluctantly gave them up. Recently his new partner suggested he began keeping them again and now, as well as the hives in this garden, he has hives at other locations. Richard said:
“I’ve got a mixture of fruit, veg and flowers, and 15 or 16 hanging baskets for the petunias, pots all around the patio plus a big pergola”.
New this year was the Patron’s Award with Sarah Starsmore from Red Barn in Rookley picking up the award. This garden has evolved from a meadow into a stunning garden – an acre and a half of wildflowers.
Other category winners include:
- Best Small Front Garden – Maria Wilson of Shanklin. Described as giving excellent impact on entry. A hidden gem in Clarendon Road.
- Best Large Front Garden – Angela Allen, Downsview, Brading. Full of colour and a range of plants.
- Best Small Tourist Attraction Garden – Mottistone Garden (National Trust). Very accessible to everyone.
- Best Large Tourist Attraction Garden – Robin Hill. This Country Park is superb from start to finish. Immaculately tidy and accessible to all.
- Best Small Commercial Garden – One Holyrood, Newport. Incorporates herbs used in their kitchen. A very worthy winner.
- Best Large Commercial Garden – Haven Hall, Shanklin. Large selection of plants with the sea as a backdrop.
- Pride of Place Floral Project (Community) – Havenstreet Community Centre. Fulfils all the criteria and the front floral display is excellent.
- Best Young People Initiative – Godshill Primary School. This category was won by the school’s Eco Club. A special mention must go to the Runner Up – Lucas Richards of Nettlestone, for his singlehanded effort growing colourful flowers.
- Best Edible Garden – Richard Ridley, Lake. incorporates an amazing variety of plants and colour complete with productive beehives.
- Best Container Garden – Havenstreet Community Centre. A wondrous mix of herbs flowers and vegetables for which they were also highly commended in the edible section.
- Best Care Giving Garden – Rope Walk, Cowes. Something to enjoy for residents and visitors alike.
In closing the event Alan Titchmarsh said how important it was for today’s gardeners to pass on their knowledge to others adding that gardeners know the importance of being outdoors and enjoying nature in all its forms. He said:
“It’s called the Garden Isle – I think we often forget that and this rather proves that it’s a glorious climate on the Island, whether you’re north, south, east or west. The sea and the Solent all the way around, it just lifts the temperatures that bit. Frosts are rare and it means it’s a wonderful place to grow.
“It still demands skill to know your plants. And it’s always such a wonderful shot in the arm for me, Wight In Bloom, because it reinforces my belief that this is a great place to grow things”.
Southern Vectis provided all winners with complementary 5-day Freedom bus passes and hand-made bat boxes from Gift to Nature were awarded to each category winner.
It would be good to see some pictures of the gardens.