Manningham & Girlington in Bloom 2009

32 gardens entered this year's Manningham and Girlington in Bloom competition, including 8 schools, a community allotment cultivated by a women's group, a library garden and a local business.  It was judged on the wettest day of the year to date by Jenny Pupius (CEO of ABL), Kevin Robinson (Head Gardener at Lister Park) and Helen Klimach (last year's overall winner of the competition).  Despite the weather, the judges rose to the challenge, enjoying the gardens and agreeing on the allocation of prizes and shields.

The celebration evening for the competition was held on Monday 5 October at Carlisle Business Centre, and was very well attended. It was lovely to see all the gardeners and their guests (family members or friends), enjoying the slide show of  their gardens, receiving their certificates and trophies, and having the opportunity to chat with other gardeners. The event was compered by Jenny Pupius, with Simon Drake, Area Co-ordinator for the Council's Parks Department, handing out the certificates. Healthy light refreshments were provided, and there was some family entertainment from the Saste Jugglers, who performed  brilliant feats, fortunately leaving all the children involved unscathed.

Jenny Pupius, one of the judges, commented on the range of beautiful ornamental and edible plants grown in the gardens, and on the age range of entrants; the youngest group of winners were nursery-aged children, whilst some other entrants were over retirement age. They all had one thing in common, though – their love of gardening, and all of them were justly proud of their achievements.  

It was a great, fun-packed evening, and it was fantastic to see people who really make a difference in their neighbourhood, being celebrated in this way. We’re looking forward to building on the success of this event, and hope that even more people will enter Manningham and Girlington in Bloom 2010!

Shields awarded
Most Improved Garden: Smith Lane
Best Garden with Pots/ Containers: Glenholme Rd
Best Garden with Produce: Haslingden Drive
Best Small Garden: Duckworth Grove
Best Medium Garden: Lister View
Best Large Garden: Haslingden Drive
Best Garden Cultivated by Children: Abbey Green
Best Garden in the Competition: Haslingden Drive