Russet Homes lead judges up the garden path

Published by Barbara H for Russet Homes in Housing and also in Communities, Education, Environment, Health

Around 50 green fingered enthusiasts across Tonbridge and Malling entered their prize blooms into Russet Homes’ popular annual garden competition.

Colourful and imaginative gardens of all shapes and sizes were judged over a two day period by a panel consisting of tenant representatives and local gardening expert, Terry Shead of Brookside Garden Centre. Winners were selected from a range of categories including best hanging basket, best vegetable patch, best water feature and, best front and back garden.

Marilyn Smith, Russet Homes Community Investment Manager, said: “This competition certainly brings out a real sense of pride within the community. We know so many of our tenants take great care of their garden and there’s no doubt that a well maintained and colourful garden really makes it a more enjoyable place for everyone to live.”

Younger gardeners under the age of 16 years also took part in the friendly competition by planting their own vegetables and Harriet Cruse aged 4 received the winning vote.

The overall competition winners were Mr and Mrs Lawford from East Malling.

Ms Smith continued: “As usual we had so many fantastic entries we were spoilt for choice and it was extremely difficult to select an overall winner. Eventually the judges chose the Lawford’s garden for its winning combination of fruit, shrubs and wonderful colours; you can sit and watch the sunshine move around the garden. It certainly is a little oasis tucked away in East Malling!”

The winners were presented with a certificate and gift vouchers by the Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr Sue Murray, at an award ceremony at Kings Hill Community Centre, Mr and Mrs Lawford also received a trophy as overall winners and a slide show ran throughout the evening displaying the winning gardens.

Part of Circle Anglia – one of the UK’s largest providers of affordable housing in the UK - Russet Homes own and manage around 6,600 properties in Tonbridge and Malling.