Entrants into this year’s Wight in Bloom competition came together at Northwood House yesterday (Tuesday) to find out who had taken the top spot and been crowned ‘Cream of the Crop’.
For the 2016 Wight in Bloom competition there were 14 entries from school gardens, which was an encouraging development. In the 11 categories there were 3 new classes- Best creative use of a Small Space, Best Coastal Garden and Best Edible Garden.
Kevin George CEO of Red Funnel, the main sponsor, said his company stepped in to support Wight in Bloom 4 years ago and would continue to do so. He also said he made a promise a year ago to improve planting around the Red Funnel terminals and this had now been completed.
It was the second year of Visit Isle of Wight’s involvement in the event. Simon Dabell, Chair of VIOW compered the award Ceremony held in the ballroom of Northwood House, Cowes.
Simon introduced Wight in Bloom’s Patron Alan Titchmarsh MBE VMH and Simon’s banter and interaction with Alan was just as entertaining as last year’s collaboration.
Referring to his own gardening skills Simon said he had killed a Wisteria and a Clematis but his Russian Vine was described as being OK. Quoting an excerpt from a national newspaper’s reference to the Island’s climate benefitting from “the last gasp of the Gulf Stream” his comment was received by much laughter from the audience and Alan who handed out the Awards.
Alan commented on the number of school gardens and said that he had started gardening when 9-years-old. It was good to see children getting away from technology for some of their time and learning about nature and how to grow plants.
Wight in Bloom 2016 Main Winners:
Small Front Garden: Rosalind Wyman -Shanklin
Large Front Garden: Oscar Stretch – Sandown
Commercial Garden: Fighting Cocks Public House – Arreton
Senior Citizen Complex: Knight’s Court – Ventnor
Young People’s Initiative: Cowes Primary School – Cowes
Community Floral Project: Shanklin Theatre – Shanklin
Small Tourist Attraction: Godshill Model Village – Godshill
Large Tourist Attraction: Mottistone Manor – Mottistone
Creative Use of Small Space: Elizabeth Allen – Northwood
Coastal Garden: Julia Waters, Villa Amanti – Ventnor
Edible Garden: Sue Garner, Steyne Road Allotments – Seaview
In recognition of the amazing support the late Peggy Jarman gave to Wight in Bloom, it was announced that from this year the Overall Award would be renamed the Peggy Jarman Trophy.
Born on the Island, Peggy attended Nettlestone School and was a well respected County Councillor for a number of years. At the time of her death, just a few weeks ago, she was Honorary president of Wight in Bloom.
Rosalind Wyman, who was judged to have the Best Small Front Garden was the recipient of the Peggy Jarman Trophy. This was presented by Terry Jarman.
With a home on the Island Alan Titchmarsh, as well as being Patron of Wight in Bloom has recently become a patron of the Island’s Literary Festival. He told us that he had had a number of plant varieties named after him including a hosta, sweet pea, rose and fuchsia.
Following the presentation of the Awards all those receiving certificates as well as the category winners gathered for a group photo with Alan Titchmarsh, Kevin George and the Island’s High Sheriff Robin Courage.
Photographs: Suzanne Whitewood
