Awards For Merton's Top Gardeners

---

Blooming good awards handed out

Green fingered community groups, residents and businesses celebrated success at the Merton in Bloom awards ceremony.
 
Following the borough's entry into the regional London in Bloom competition, Merton's gardens, allotments, hanging baskets, were recognised and rewarded locally with trophies and certificates presented by the Mayor of Merton, Councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender.
 
Based upon horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation, the categories were judged by members of local allotment and horticultural societies.

Cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, Councillor Andrew Judge said: "Merton in Bloom impresses every year. It's great to see so many local businesses and community groups taking part alongside residents. Congratulations to all our winners, and everyone who took part."

• The borough achieved a silver award from the London in Bloom awards. Accompanying the borough-wide success, special mention was given to The Paddock Allotments in Wimbledon who were judged to be the best allotments in London for the second year running. Merton's other achievements include a Silver Gilt award to South Park Gardens, who are already celebrating the recent Green Flag success and Wimbledon Common who were voted the second best common in London.

The Merton in Bloom winners were:

· Best Front Garden over 20sqm - Chatt Bhikhari, Malvern Close, Mitcham.
· Best Front Garden under 20sqm - Clarice Mitchell, Streatham Road, Mitcham.
· Best School Wildlife Competition - The Priory C of E Primary School, Wimbledon.
· Best Balcony - Ekaterini Kisby, Church Walk, Mitcham.
· Winner age category 3 - 6 years: Anjali Purrunsing
· Winner age category 7 - 10 years: Ali Alasakkf
· Winner age category 11 - 14 years: Safa Islam
· Best Bloomin' Pub - The Windmill Public House, Mitcham
· Best Floral Allotment Garden - Plot 74 The Paddock, Ms S Spencer
· Best Hanging Basket - Baitul Futuh Mosque, Morden
· Best Commercial Premises - The Wimbledon Club, Wimbledon
· Best Community Garden - Mitcham Parish Church
 
Allotment and Leisure Gardens
 
· Best in Merton - Plot 41 Tamworth Farm, Jamie Dantes (pictured above with the Mayor)
· Best in Mitcham - Plot 41 Tamworth Farm, Jamie Dantes
· Best in Morden - Plot 4 Thurlston Road, Mr Anandarajah
· Best in Wimbledon - Plot 28 Cottenham Park, Mr Wyatt
· Best in Cottenham Park - Plot 28 Cottenham Park, Mr Wyatt
· Best in Durnsford Road - Plot 15, Mr Moloney
· Best in The Paddock - Plot 35, Mr Fancourt
· Best Floral Allotment - Plot 74 The Paddock, Ms S Spencer

October 21, 2011