Russet award green fingered residents

Tuesday 7th September 2010

Around 45 green fingered enthusiasts across Tonbridge and Malling entered their prize blooms into Russet’s popular annual garden competition.

Colourful and imaginative gardens of all shapes and sizes were judged over a two day period by a panel consisting of tenant representatives and local gardening expert, Terry Shead MBE of Brookside Garden Centre. Winners were selected from a range of categories including best hanging basket, best vegetable patch, best water feature and, best front and back garden.

Ivanna Roberts-Cillia, Head of Housing, said: “This competition certainly brings out a real sense of pride within the community. We know so many of our residents take great care of their garden and there’s no doubt that a well kept and colourful garden really makes it a more enjoyable neighbourhood for everyone to live.”

The overall winner was Dennis Bartlett of Hildenborough who was selected for his winning combination of vegetables and colourful flowers.

Younger gardeners under the age of 16 years also took part in the friendly competition and entertained the judges by making their own amusing scarecrow. The winner for the Malling area was Matthew Willey and a joint effort by Jude, Jasmin and Mike Ripley won the Tonbridge prize.

Ivanna continued: “We are always amazed with how popular the competition is and by the high standard of entries. The judges certainly had their work cut out this year as any one of the gardens could have scooped a prize which is a real tribute to the resident’s hard work.”

The winners were presented with a certificate and gift vouchers by Terry Shead at an award ceremony at Borough Green Village Hall. Dennis Bartlett also received a trophy as overall winner and a slide show ran throughout the evening displaying the winning gardens.

Part of Circle Anglia, Russet owns almost 7,000 properties making it the largest provider of rented social housing within Tonbridge and Malling.

Posted by Russet for Russet