Nottingham Residents Win Gardening Competition

Green-fingered Nottingham residents have won top prizes in a gardening competition organised by housing association Accent Nene. Both winners were first-time entrants to the contest.

Accent Nene resident Jean Harris of Westhay Court in Nottingham won the first prize in the best new garden category. Another Accent Nene resident, Mrs Ann Jacobs, entered the competition on behalf of the residents of Negus Court in Nottingham who won the first prize in the best sheltered housing garden category.

The competition was open to more than 3,000 tenants of Accent Nene across the east of England.

In July, judges from Accent Nene visited the gardens of everyone who had entered the competitions. They then called back on short-listed entrants in August.

Wendy Dyer an Accent Nene resident herself and a member of the Accent Nene board led the judging, along with fellow board member Roger Davis and assistant resident involvement officer Ruth Mingay.

Wendy Dyer said: The first prize for best new garden goes to Mrs Harris of Westhay Court, Nottingham, who, despite having her back garden attacked by squirrels, has produced a little haven in this narrow space. Not only that, but the borders leading to her front door also brightened the area for her neighbours.

The first prize for the best sheltered housing scheme garden is awarded to the people of Negus Court.

The residents worked hard to turn their communal garden into beds containing wonderful profusions of colourful blooms that everyone can enjoy. This is an excellent example of what people can achieve when they work together.

Mrs Jacobs added: This is the first time we have entered the competition. I was very surprised and delighted to win.

Accent Nene managing director Andrew Williams welcomed the winners to an award ceremony where they were presented with certificates and gift vouchers.

He said: This is the third year that we have organised a garden competition for residents and we were delighted with the number of entrants and the excellent standards of the gardens.

All of our entrants put a great deal of time and effort into caring for their gardens. They work hard throughout the year keeping them looking fantastic and they should be proud of their achievements.

Following the continuing success of its garden competition Accent Nene plans to continue it as an annual event.