Blooming brilliant gardens celebrated in tenants’ competition

Green-fingered council tenants were rewarded for their stunning gardens and beautiful basket displays at this year’s tenants’ gardening competition in August.

The annual scheme is run by the Resident Engagement Panel, who organise and judge the entire competition with the support of council officers. This year, 16 tenants entered the four categories.

After a tough judging, which saw all gardens visited and scored, the winners and highly commended were confirmed at an event at Tower House in Canterbury.

Congratulations go to:

Front garden

Winner: Martin Ashdown from Chartham (pictured below)
Highly commended: Alison Dormer from Canterbury

Back garden

Winner: Dawn Brazier from Canterbury (pictured below)
Highly commended: Gillian Matthews from Hersden

Communal gardens

Winner: Shalmsford Court, Chartham (pictured below)
Highly commended: Kenny Ball, Herne Bay

Containers, pots and baskets

Winner: Lydia Luckhurst from Chartham (pictured below)
Highly commended: Peter Kay from Herne Bay

Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Pip Hazelton, said: “Each year we are wowed by the spectacular displays grown and nurtured by tenants and this year is no exception.

“It just goes to show that you don’t need to be Monty Don to create something beautiful and we hope others get inspired to pick up the gardening gloves too.

“Congratulations to the winners and those highly commended on their success and thank you to our Resident Engagement Panel and all involved for your hard work in making the competition happen.”

All winners received £90 in gift vouchers, a plant, seeds and a certificate. Everyone who was highly commended received £60 in gift vouchers, a plant, seeds and a certificate.

The competition was supported through sponsorship from Canenco, Mears, Grovewell Garden Centre (Canterbury), Swale Heating, Vpro Solutions and Town and Country Cleaners.

Prizes were awarded by the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Cllr Jean Butcher, including plants donated from Grovewell Garden Centre.

Published: 29 September 2023