A Bloomin' Competition

President Ed Harrison went along to the Billericay in Bloom prize-giving on July 3 at 7.30pm at the Canon Roche Social Centre, Laindon Road to present the prize for the ‘Best Kept Large Garden’ on behalf of the club.

Although Ed has been President once before, this was his first official engagement as President.  “I was pleased to represent the Club and it was good to see such enthusiasm from young and old competitors” said Ed, adding “when I arrived Headmaster Michael Wade was on a table with a few of his schoolkids and it was pleasing that Quilters Junior school, home of our RotaKids Club, won two of the prizes, Best School Garden and Best School Vegetable Plot.”

Entrants in the competition can choose from some 14 categories altogether for domestic gardens, schools and commercial premises, with a special award for the Best First Time Entry to encourage those who are not sure of the standards expected. The Council is particularly keen to encourage participation by children with headings such as Best School Garden, Best School Vegetable Plot or Best Childrens Freehand Floral Arrangement.  There are classes to suit all levels of expertise and interest and type of garden, small or large. Whether participants prefer traditional English gardens with abundant planting that spills over narrow pathways, with masses of colours or scented flowers, or more formal layouts with a central feature and a geometric pattern, there was plenty of encouragement from the Billericay in Bloom judging team when judging took place on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 June.

Chairman of the Billericay in Bloom committee, Councillor Moira Moore was present and gave tribute to the residents, businesses, pubs, and sheltered accommodation residents who had all worked so hard to make their gardens look so beautiful.  Although numbers were slightly down on last year it was still a great success.

BBC Essex Gardening presenter Ken Crowther, compered the evening.

Ed presented certificates to the third prize winner Dawn Henning and the second prize winner Mrs Mary Pellatz, but the winners of our cup were Mr and Mrs Walters who had also won this category last year.