Wandsworth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Wandsworth’s best gardeners were recognised at the Wandsworth in Bloom Awards in Battersea Park, celebrating creativity and community spirit.
The Wandsworth in Bloom contest highlighted the ingenuity and attention to detail individuals have put into greening their areas, from balcony blossoms to communal food-growing locations.
The ceremony, which was held at Battersea Park’s Pump House Gallery, brought together sponsors, community partners, shortlisted competitors, and other guests to give 10 trophies to local businesses, schools, community gardens, and residents.
“This competition is a celebration of community, creativity and care for our environment,”
said Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, who presented the Best in Show award.
“It’s inspiring to see how residents have transformed their spaces and brought colour and life to our borough.”
The Malteserz Jazz Band, a jazz ensemble consisting of seven local youths, performed live during the evening. Key speakers were Councillor Rosemary Birchall, Deputy Mayor of Wandsworth and Cabinet Member for Environment Paul White, as well as Kate Allardyce from Thrive, a charity that uses gardening to help those with illnesses or impairments. The London Borough of Culture’s Most Vibrant Garden award was given out by Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Culture Kemi Akinola.
Every entry in every category was on display on easels inside the gallery, and spectators cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award winner during the awards ceremony.
The contest, which took place during the summer, accepted entries in seven different categories. We immediately entered all seven category entrants into our three special categories: People’s Choice, London Borough of Culture’s Most Vibrant, and Best in Show. The ceremony, when the winners were announced live on stage, was open to the shortlisted applicants.
From building refuges on balconies to cultivating food in a communal garden, Wandsworth in Bloom seeks to promote horticultural inventiveness and honor the borough’s gardeners. The event this year is a part of Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture initiative.
Sponsors Krinkels UK and Neal’s Nurseries helped make Wandsworth in Bloom possible, and specialists, including guest judge Charles Shi, a horticulture at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, provided judging advice.
Niko Mardushaj, Operations Manager for Krinkels UK, said:
“Krinkels UK are proud to be part of the first Wandsworth in Bloom unforgettable event. Seeing the community and businesses coming together to celebrate a borough-wide success, makes you feel part of a bigger family. Wandsworth as London Borough of Culture is an inspiring place to live and work, where creativity never starves.”
Edward Campbell-Preston, Managing Director for Neal’s Nurseries, added:
“It has been a wonderful experience to partner with Wandsworth Council’s Wandsworth in Bloom competition. We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to have seen and be inspired by so many wonderful gardens around our great borough.”
How does Wandsworth in Bloom support community gardening efforts?
The competition welcomes submissions from private households, schools, businesses, and community groups in categories such as Best Allotment Plot, Best Community Food-growing Site, Best Community Facility Garden, Best Street, Best Balcony or Container Garden, and more. Therefore, the competition is available for all types, and from all sizes, of gardens.
Encourage neighbours and community groups to work together on projects that incorporate their gardens, and the street they live on. This will strengthen neighbourly relationships and actively foster a sense of shared ownership of local green space.
Encourage entries, to reflect on plant selection and methods of gardening, that highlight the inclusion of native planting and sustainable gardening practices, which aligns with further biodiversity and environmental aims of the Council.