On a pleasantly warm day in early July judge Rob Wicke, Westfield’s Flower Contractor who looks after the beautiful hanging baskets and coal truck displays, toured the gardens of the parish to determine which were worthy of the first prize for the two categories – best front garden and best container. There were more entries than ever before this year – maybe a reflection of the time that people had been able to spend in their garden due to the lockdown, though getting hold of plants at the beginning of the season was proving tricky. One entrant told us that all the plants in her lovely tubs were cuttings or seeds of last year’s flowers. That proved to be amazing foresight!
Of the displays in Westfield gardens Rob said “there were a really great mix of gardens ranging from vibrant bedding plants to intriguing cottage style gardens and everything in between.”
The winner of the Best Garden was in Nightingale Way. Rob said “It fought off some very strong competition with great vision and use of a variety of plants in a way that instantly stood out and caught my attention. Clearly the owner had thought long and hard about the design in a very quirky space.”
The hanging baskets that caught Rob’s eye were on Elm Terrace. He said “They were a great use of colour and shape and were joyful to see, no doubt putting a smile on the faces of passers-by.”
While presenting the prizes to Mrs Kay Jennings for the best garden and Mr Austin Hudd for the hanging baskets Cllr Wallbridge, Vice Chair, said “It has been a pleasure to see the stunning gardens and baskets that have won the competition this year and brighten the neighbourhood for all.”
Thanks must go to Thomsons of Radstock who have kindly donated two vouchers for the winners and to Rob Wicke for giving us his time to do the difficult job of judging the competition.
