Council leaders presented prizes and certificates at the Tower Hamlets in Bloom Awards 2023
GARDENING groups, individuals and organisations across Tower Hamlets have been recognised for their commitment, passion, and enthusiasm for greening the borough.
Council leaders presented prizes and certificates at the Tower Hamlets in Bloom Awards 2023, which took place on 13 December at the Art Pavilion in Mile End Park.
The annual competition, which is part of the national In Bloom scheme, encourages more people to become more interested in horticulture and to develop a greater appreciation and respect for the natural environment.
Stepney City Farm, Canary Wharf and Michael Howard received special recognition awards.
Judges described the farm as a shining example of what can be achieved when visitors are encouraged to appreciate nature, animals, and the environment that they live in.
Gardening staff at Canary Wharf were praised for cultivating landscapes ranging from roof gardens and living walls to water features and tropical gardens within a densely populated and busy commercial area.
Michael Howard, who along with his partner Margaret Cox assists with corporate volunteer activities in and around Bethnal Green including Rocky Park and Teesdale Community Centre, was described as a local hero.
Cllr Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:
“I am so impressed with all the Tower Hamlets in Bloom entrants and participants who work all year round to help make our borough a greener, brighter, and nicer place to live, to work and to visit.
This annual event has grown from strength to strength and has brought our communities together through their enthusiasm and innovation for enhancing our borough.”
Other prize winners included Lady Micos Alms-houses who won The Judges Choice Award for being a tranquil space in the middle of Stepney. Resided by an older group of residents, Lady Micos gardens are described as a haven which leaves visitors in awe, especially this year’s In Bloom judges who took so many selfies.
Overall group winners Columbia Market Nursery School were recognised for implementing exceptional and positive planting and educational growing schemes, engaging children in hands-on-gardening.
“The school’s commitment to fostering green fingered students is truly remarkable, where valuable gardening skills instil a deeper understanding of the natural world and the environment,” judges said.
Lizzy Mace was named Gardener of the Year in recognition of her hard work with Cranbrook Community Garden, working behind the scenes to submit grant applications, organise community events, arrange the ever-popular craft club, whilst never taking her eye off the need to promote biodiversity within the community garden.
John Keith collected the lifetime achievement award. He worked at Pheonix School for many years assisting children with special educational needs and educating them in the appreciation of biodiversity and the environment.
Cllr Iqbal Hossain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said:
“We are grateful for all the individuals, organisations, and gardening groups who give selflessly of their time and energy to make our communities better and brighter for everyone to enjoy.”
Applications for Tower Hamlets in Bloom 2024 competition are open and judging will take place in summer when gardens, balconies and window boxes will be in full bloom.
The following entrants won first prize in their individual categories:
Best Balcony
Andrea Silva-Goncalves, Dunbridge Street
Best Front Garden
Sally Crane, Hesperus Crescent
Joanne lee, Friars Mead
Best Patio Container Garden
Terence Chisolm, Merchant House
Best Community Residential Site
Lady Micos Alms-houses
Best Community Garden
St. Peters Church Bethnal Green, St Peter’s Close
Ion Court, Columbia Road
Best Educational Establishment
Lansbury Lawrence Primary School
Best Children’s Garden
Columbia Market Nursery School
Best Community Growing Site
Rocky Park Urban Growers
Stepney City Farm
Best Wildlife, (Group category)
Cranbrook Community Garden
Best Wildlife, (Individual category)
Susan Caldwell
Best Allotment
Susan Caldwell
Discretionary Awards
Best newcomer (Group)
R-Urban Community Garden
For transforming parking bays in Poplar into a thriving community garden
Best newcomer (individual)
Pat-Rowe – For producing a wildlife wonderland from nothing, within two years
Best innovation
Margaret Winniak – using old cassette storage boxes to make bug hotels
Cranbrook Community Garden – For creating a mobile market stool
Award of Excellence for Community Engagement and Participation
Sharon Brindle, Friends of Ion Square
Christopher Cousins, Friends of Ion Square
Special Recognition Award
Stepney City Farm
Canary Wharf
Michael Howard
Special Contribution to Britain in Bloom & London in Bloom campaigns
Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
Lady Micos Alms-houses
Stepney City Farm
Rocky Park Urban Growers
Phoenix School
Canary Wharf
Judges Choice Award
Lady Micos Alms-houses
Overall individual winner
Andrea Silva-Goncalves, Dunbridge Street
Overall group winner
Columbia Market Nursery School
Gardener of the year
Lizzy Mace
Lifetime Achievement Award
John Keith, Phoenix School
Posted on Wednesday 20th December 2023