Kendal in Bloom: Gardens defy the downpours (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Kendal in Bloom: Gardens defy the downpours

3:22pm Wednesday 29th August 2012 in News By Stephanie Manley, Reporter

DESPITE the summer rain, Kendal gardeners triumphed in their efforts to decorate the town for its floral extravaganza.

Judges of Kendal in Bloom were highly impressed with the array of displays that brightened up Kendal in the face of frequent downpours.

Committee chairwoman Fiona Neall said: “Normally you need to think of plants that will not need watering but this year it was a case of finding plants that would not drown!

“People kept saying their gardens were terrible but they were actually OK.

“And there was a nice mixture of styles — some more modern designs influenced by television, and others that have generally stayed the same year on year but have improved. It’s great to have variety.”

Among the winners was Jane Willis, of Fountain Brow, who came top in the best sustainable garden category.

She said: “I’ve never entered Kendal in Bloom before and only decided to do it last minute, but it gave me a reason to get out in the garden.

“One of the features that impressed the judges was the compost bin that I have put in the middle of the green.

"People put their food waste in there and I turn it into compost — it’s like a community compost heap. When neighbours then need some compost for their hanging baskets and such I give them some back.

"I also choose plants that are bee and bird friendly, and get rid of slugs without using pellets.”

And Jennifer Ball, who lives in Oxenholme, took first prize for the best medium-sized domestic garden.

She said: “I was absolutely amazed to get a prize because I did not think my garden was good enough, but my husband and I have worked hard on it. It’s a shame about the weather — I have had to pull things out already.”

 

Results :

Summer School Challenge: Heron Hill School; Best Secret Garden: Mr and Mrs Fairs; Best Domestic Floral Display: Mr P Taylor; Best Commercial Premises without grounds: Ibis Sports and Social Club; Best Commercial Premises with grounds: Brewery Arts Centre and Summerhill Nursing Home; Best Communal Area: Kent Court Residents; Best Yard: Marvic Yard; Best Small Domestic Garden: Mr P Taylor; Best Medium Domestic Garden: Mrs J Ball; Best Large Domestic Garden: Neil Murphy; Best Allotment Newcomer 2012: Mrs E Kelly and Miss R Kelly; Best Allotment Site 2012: Sedbergh Road; Best Sustainable Garden: Mrs J Willis; Mayor of Kendal Award: Queen Katherine Community Garden.