Manningham & Girlington in Bloom 2010

'The best yet!' was the verdict of the judges of the annual Manningham and Girlington in Bloom best garden competition.  Worthy overall winners were Abbey Green Nursery and Children's Centre, where every centimetre of space is used to give a rich outdoor experience to the children.  Two newcomers to the competition were also prize winners: Colin Malcolm's Scotchman Road plot was the best allotment, and Irsad Begum's garden in Mannheim Road was the best small garden. 

A record 39 gardens entered this year's competition, including eight local schools, four community allotments, and a library garden.  The competition is organised by BCEP, and was judged by Jenny Pupius (CEO of ABL), Kevin Robinson (gardener at Lister Park), Mahmood Mohammed (Ward Co-ordinator, Bradford West) and Naweed Hussain (Deputy Chair, Bradford Community Environment Project). 

Judge Mahmood Mohammed was charmed by Abbey Green's garden.  'The garden informs the whole ethos of the school, and the children get to experience all natural elements there.  The water feature was unusual and very exciting - a waterall containing bright fishes the children had made themselves, and where they can paddle or fill their watering cans.'

Fellow judge Jenny Pupius was particularly impressed by the increase in food growing in Manningham and Girlington gardens, several featuring ovens for cooking their super-fresh produce.

Organiser Jane Robinson (BCEP) was amazed at the age range of entrants: 'The youngest were nursery-aged children, whilst others were over retirement age. They all had one thing in common, though – their love of gardening.  Every one is a winner, and can be justly proud of their achievements.' 

All the winners will be invited to a celebration at Carlisle Business Centre in October.

Shields awarded
Most Improved Garden: Farida Jan - Smith Lane
Best Garden with Pots/ Containers: Fasilat Begum - Farcliffe Place
Best Garden with Produce: N Aktar - Haslingden Drive
Best Small Garden: Irsad Begum - Mannheim Road
Best Medium/Large Garden: Christine Nias - St Mary's Road
Best Garden Cultivated by Children: Abbey Green Nursery School and Children's Centre
Best Public Space Garden: Manningham Library
Best Allotment: Colin Malcolm - Scotchman Road
Best Garden in the Competition: Abbey Green Nursery School and Children's Centre