Green-fingered residents from Chester and District Housing Trust (CDHT) have dug deep to scoop accolades in a prestigious gardening competition.
Nearly 100 residents entered the housing association’s gardening contest, with first, second and third prizes awarded for each of CDHT’s six neighbourhoods.
Following a rigorous judging process, the winners of the eighth annual competition were announced by Sanctuary’s head of operations for Chester, Dave Soothill, at a packed awards ceremony held at Lache Community Centre.
Ramon Lavender of Quarry Avenue, Farndon, beat off stiff competition to claim the prize for the best overall garden, which was judged by a team of local residents. Mr Lavender’s wife Patricia accepted the Swedish crystal rose bowl trophy, which was donated by CDHT contractor Seddon, as well as £100.
Runner up for the best overall garden was Herbert Crook, of Morton Road, Blacon who received £50. Third prize for the overall best garden went to Terence Fox, of Durham Road, Blacon, winning £25.
Named in memory of one of CDHT’s involved residents, the Helen Noble Award for best sheltered scheme was collected by Angela Dodd on behalf of the residents of Wain Court, Saughall.
Peter Morrow, who won the best window box award, dedicated his win to his late wife Cynthia who sadly passed away this year.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Dave Soothill said: “I know the judging panel were really impressed with all of your gardens. Thank you for keeping the communities looking so good.”
Also successful were:
Peter Percival and Bert and Beryl Wilson, all of Glamis Close, Vicars Cross – joint first place, city category
Ramon Lavender, of Quarry Avenue, Farndon − first place, rural areas
Terence Fox, of Durham Road – first place, Blacon North
Herbert Crook, of Morton Road – first place, Blacon South
Eddie and Rae Rimmer, of Willow Grove, Hoole and Jean Jefferys of Newhall Road, Plas Newton – joint first place, Plas Newton, Upton, Newton, Kingsway and Hoole
Graham Green, of Cliveden Road – first place, Lache
Peter Morrow, of Suffolk House – first place, best window box
Stuart Edge, Treborth Road, Blacon – first place, best vegetable garden
Paul Bartlett, of Stamford Road, Blacon – best newcomer
Rose Newton collected the Award for Halton Road, Upton − best group of gardens
