Littlehampton gardeners toasted for their top blooms

Barbara Croft in her winning back garden L36513H13

The winners of this year’s annual garden and allotments competition certainly had a lot to contend with over the past few months – with everything from snow and torrential rain to some of the hottest summer temperatures in living memory.

However, schools, pubs, businesses, residents and allotment holders rose to the challenge, producing some truly stunning blooms and plots.

The well-tended gardens, patios and other areas were assessed by five judges, who included town mayor Joyce Bowyer and members of the Littlehampton Allotments and Leisure Gardens Association.

And although entries this year were down, the judges all recognised and hailed the efforts of everyone who took part.

For the eighth year running, Michael Merridue, of Grand Avenue, Wick, won the Ernest Hayes Cup for the best patio garden.

However, it was Barbara Croft and Paul Nelson, of Meadow Way, who proved to be the cream of the crop.

The couple scooped both the Preascott Cup for the best front garden and the Rob and Sal’s Tattoo Cup for the top back garden.

Speaking to the Gazette about her win, retired Barbara said: “Last year I got second for the front garden and first for the back and so I was more than surprised to get first place in both this year, because you think that you can never win a category two years on the trot.”

Norfolk Gardens East took the Amenity Cup for the best communal garden, while Lyminster Primary School was hailed as the best infant/junior school.

The Vardar VIP Club and Restaurant, in Selborne Road, was awarded the Companions Challenge Cup for the best commercial garden.

Linda Paddick, of Clun Road, Wick, proved she had green-fingered potential, winning the title for best new entrant, while Mr Warren won the award for the best new allotment. Mr Withers, of Worthing Road, scooped the Allotment Holders’ Cup for best allotment, as well as the Liz Brett and Bill Mason Commemorative Trophy for the best crop.

The event was organised by Littlehampton Town Council in conjunction with Ferring Nurseries, which sponsored the competition, together with Towing Spare.