The Mayor of Leighton-Linslade, Cllr Palmer, was joined by the Mayoress, residents and employees from local care provider, The Fremantle Trust, for a ‘blooming’ great day at its annual horticultural awards, which took place at Wing-based residential home, Carey Lodge.

The competition saw more than 40 entries submitted from green-fingered talent across the Trust’s older people and learning disability services. It was also an opportunity to celebrate technical prowess in the face of difficult conditions, given the soaring temperatures that have dried out many gardens this summer.

This year’s Fremantle in Bloom competition was judged by a discerning panel including Mandy Horne, a volunteer from Tesco, and Sue Faulkner, leisure and lifestyle manager for the Trust.

The winners were announced as:

Indoor Garden

Winner: The Heights, High Wycombe

Runner up: Icknield Court, Princes Risborough

Balcony Display

Winner: Apthorp Care Centre, New Southgate

Runner up: Chesham Leys, Chesham

Vegetable Plot

Winner: Mulberry Court, Chalfont St Peter

Runner up: Downley Lodge, High Wycombe

Floral Garden

Winner: Carey Lodge, Wing

Runner up: Lent Rise House, Burnham

Sensory Garden (older people’s service)

Winner: Icknield Court, Princes Risborough

Runner up: Farnham Common House, Farnham

Sensory Garden (learning disability service)

Winner: Weedon Road

Runner up: Priory Crescent

This year also saw the introduction of two new accolades -  the Stanley Flowers Cups, in honour of Sue’s father who had a passion for gardening. The first award, for the Best Gardening Team, went to Weedon Road, and the Outstanding Garden award went to Farnham Common House.

Winners and runners up were presented with certificates and trophies to acknowledge both individual and collective efforts made to nurture stunning blooms and bring flashes of colour to living spaces.

The Mayor of Leighton-Linslade, Cllr Clive Palmer, commented:

It was a tremendous event which brought a great deal of pleasure to everyone involved. Congratulations to all who organised, helped and participated.

Nell Dwight, resident at Carey Lodge, said:

I’ve had an amazing time looking at all the beautiful flowers. It’s been lovely to see people from the other homes visit Carey Lodge for the day.

Sue Faulkner added:

Our annual Fremantle in Bloom contest is a great way to show how gardening can inspire people to be creative, no matter how experienced they are. It is a really rewarding pastime as it allows for quiet contemplation. We’ve had another fantastic response this year and it’s testament to the dedication of those who’ve taken part.