A SUBURBAN parish made a special effort to celebrate its gardens as part of Cheshire’s Year of Gardens 2008.

The enthusiasm was recognised by a visit from Chester’s deputy lord mayor, Cllr Paul Cheetham, who attended an eventŠat Caldy Valley Church and Neighbourhood Centre to present prizes to winners of the GreatŠBoughton in Bloom competition.

Categories included those for large and small gardens in both wards of the parish and a class for businesses.

Parish council chairman Cllr Sue Proctor explained prizes were also awarded for front-garden displays, which provide enjoyment to passers-by.

As prizewinners arrived, they were entertained by harp music from Marianne Higgs and later Chester Green Badge Guide Yvonne Kirk gave a Štalk about gardens in the city centre.

Photographs of the winning gardens were displayed, providing an opportunity for ideas and gardening tips to be exchanged.

Open days were also held in both wards.

In Vicar’s Cross the Women’s Institute arranged for four gardens to be open to the public, combining the event with sales of produce, plants and afternoon teas and raising funds for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

There was also the chance to learn about the history of the WI in Vicars Cross.

Residents of three neighbouring properties in Gleggs Close, Boughton Heath, joined together to welcome garden-lovers and invited them to discover more about their gardens.

An open day at Caldy Valley Nature Park provided an opportunity to find out more about the environment with a competition for young people.

The parish council says it wants to encourage more residents to open their gardens, large or small, for a day in 2009. Anyone who is interested, should contact parish councillors Pam Atkinson (South ward) or Sue ProctorŠ(North ward).Š

The winners were:

North ward:

Larger gardens: first 9 Sutherland Way, second 29 Grove Avenue, third 54 Barkhill Road.

Smaller gardens: first 10 Elgin Close, second 53 Barkhill Road, third 19 Gleneagles Close.

Highly commended: 49 Richmond Crescent, 36 Marbury Road (car-friendly).

South ward:

Larger gardens: first 11 Reeves Road, second 91 Heath Lane, third 3 Round Hill Meadow.

Smaller gardens: first 42 Belgrave Road, second 31 Bachelors Lane, third 18 Oakmere Drive, 37 Oakmere Drive.

Highly commended: 73 Marian Drive, 75 Marian Drive, 35 Toll Bar Road.

Special mention for good presentation: 62- 76 Reeves Road.

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