WDH rewards district's top gardeners

Published by Richard Lord for Wakefield & District Housing in Housing and also in Communities, Environment

The green endeavours of gardeners young and old have been honoured by Wakefield and District Housing (WDH) at a glittering awards ceremony.

WDH gave vouchers, medals, certificates and trophies to the owners of balconies, patios, terraces, vegetable gardens and communal areas that have helped beautify local neighbourhoods.

Tenants applied in their hundreds for the annual event and independent judges including members from WDH’s local management committee spent the summer assessing the gardens for creativity, individuality and appearance.

And at the Cedar Court Hotel in Wakefield Ms Mandy Bibb, from Grasmere Close in Ferry Fryston, Castleford, was awarded Best Garden by WDH.

Upon receiving the trophy, Ms Bibb, 42, said: “I’m really thrilled with the award, but shocked at the same time because this was the first year I had entered the awards.

“I’m good friends with John Dunwell, who won the award last year, and he’s always said that my garden is really nice and wondered why I had never entered the competition – so this year I did.”

When asked what her favourite part of her garden is, Ms Bibb said: “No weeds!”

She continued: “My garden is filled with tropical plants, which I grew from seeds. It’s just a lovely part of my home and I really enjoy sitting in it when the weather is nice. It gives me so much enjoyment.

“I’m absolutely delighted. It feels really good to have my garden appreciated by so many people. It means a lot.”