Posted by
Emma White
Celebrating the green fingered winners of Guildford in Bloom 2024
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and the community through crowdfunding, Guildford in Bloom is now a registered charity, and has seen an increase of over 20 per cent in the number of entrants.
It continues to champion wildlife, from bees and bugs to birds and hedgehogs, and rewards gardeners for sustainability, eco-friendly practices, care for wildlife and for creating thriving ecosystems large and small.
The theme for 2024 was ‘Wild About A Greener Guildford’, with additional points being awarded for practices that promote biodiversity.
An exciting development in this year’s competition was the creation of a new Nature Champion category, won for the very first time by Watts Gallery Artists’ Village.
This category was created to split large plots for nature from domestic gardens.
Clandon Wood Nature Reserve and Burial Ground had won the Best Site for Nature Conservation for four consecutive years, and have now become the sponsor of the new category, donating a stunning new trophy that Watts Gallery will be able to keep.
The Best in Competition winner for 2024 is Joyce Cole for her Container Garden - proving that even if you don’t have a lot of outdoor space, it is still possible to create havens for pollinators and a peaceful space to aid personal wellbeing.
The judges said: “A fabulous collection of pots, with imaginative planting in a limited area.
“Many different types of containers were used, with varied plant choices including wisteria, roses, jasmine and bedding, to provide year long blooming. Many features added to the joyful overall impression.”
Chairman of Guildford in Bloom, Paul Spooner, said: "As always, a lot of hard work goes into the competition and thanks must go to the judges and committee who organise this fantastic event.
“We always enjoy the back stories to each of our entries, and this year’s overall winner is real proof that you don’t need a huge space to create a beautiful garden.
“We are delighted with our new Nature Champion category, and congratulate Watts Gallery on being the very first winners.
“As always, none of this could be achieved without the continued generosity and support of our fantastic sponsors - we are so grateful to each and every one of them - and of course, our wonderful volunteers who put in so much hard work making all this happen.”
The team at Guildford in Bloom said that although judging all the gardens and plots was hard work during July, the biggest joy was hearing the stories behind the gardens and those who care for them.
Guildford in Bloom is proud that their competition is all inclusive, with categories for all sizes of garden, all ages, and all levels of experience.
More information on the work of Guildford in Bloom and full list winners and Guildford in Bloom Awards Photos can be find by clicking here
The winners of Guildford in Bloom are:
Best Allotment/Kitchen Garden Category Winners - Les and Stella Hind. Nature Champion - Watts Gallery Artists’ Village. Best Neighbourhood Project Category Winner - HMP Send, The Clink Horticulture and Waste Management. Best Pub/Business in Bloom Category Winner - The Refectory. **Best Garden for Wildlife Category Winner **- Amanda Beard. Best Front Garden Category Winner- Lynda Stone. Best Container Garden Category Winner - Joyce Cole. Best Themed Garden - Hayley Colgate. Young Gardener Awards - Lewis Jones, Allegra Ronchese, and Chan Thilakawardana. Overall Winner and Best in Competition 2024 - Joyce Cole.
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