Patron and TV favourite Alan Titchmarsh presented awards to winners of this year’s Wight in Bloom across a number of categories in a ceremony at Albert Cottage in East Cowes on Friday (21st July).
Alan Titchmarsh MBE has always said that young gardeners must be encouraged to not only learn gardening skills but to enjoy the outside world more by taking an interest in nature and the countryside.
He recalled that the Island has set a benchmark for other counties to copy for its floral displays which can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. This Island has always been known as The Garden Isle.
It was with great pleasure therefore that Alan presented the Peggy Jarman Trophy for this year’s winner of Wight In Bloom to 16-year-old Lucas Richards and Peggy’s son Terry assisted with the presentation.
Lucas from Nettlestone has gardened for a number of years after being encouraged to take up gardening by his Mum. He has entered Wight in Bloom, the annual contest organised by Visit Isle of Wight, for a number of years, in most cases winning a certificate or runner-up award for his efforts but this year he came out tops.
He won the Young Peoples Initiative class as well as being the overall winner for his gardening skills which include growing plants from seeds and cuttings. He started gardening in his spare time whilst at school and now as an apprentice with Hovertravel fits this hobby around his work schedule. Following the presentations, Lucas was pleased to present Alan with a gift of honey produced by bees kept by his beekeeping brother Gregg.
Will Myles from Visit Isle Of Wight welcomed Alan, winners and guests to Albert Cottage, East Cowes where following a delicious afternoon tea the awards ceremony took place. He thanked all those who had taken part and thanked the judges.
Numbers of entries across all categories were up and awards of note included Best Small Front Garden for Sandy Crump. It is not the first time Sandy has won this award for the very colourful displays around her home.
Best Small Tourist Attraction went to Mottistone Manor – a National Trust garden full of colour and interest while Best Large Tourist Attraction was won by Robin Hill Country Park.
Best Commercial Garden was won by the St. Maur Hotel in Ventnor with Alan commenting that visitors to hotels and pubs are more inclined to visit if outside areas are attractive and inviting.
Pride of Place Floral Project went to Sandown Green Town Volunteers especially for enhancing the footpaths while Best Edible Garden went to Glen Martin of Whitwell.
Best Care Giving Complex was won by Sarah Starsmore of Red Barn, Rookley. Sarah won the Patron’s Award in 2022 and agrees with Alan that complete rewilding is not advisable.
Alan, as Patron of Wight, In Bloom presented The Patrons Award to The Farringford Estate saying there is a remarkable garden there, enhanced with quotes from Lord Tennyson whose home it once was.
Wight in Bloom will return for 2024 – look out for entry details in February.
Stop the inbreeding. Save tax payers money…
Some pictures of the actual winning gardens would be nice.