Maureen and Graham sail to victory in Newcastle in Bloom – Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council

Released on: September 28, 2024

A captivating garden in Kidsgrove that utilizes rainwater and attracts wildlife has secured a green-thumbed couple the award for the top residential garden in Newcastle for the fourth consecutive year.

Maureen and Graham Green, who have a deep appreciation for nature, have once again taken the top prize in the council’s annual Newcastle in Bloom awards. Their incredible garden showcases vibrant colors, unique features like a recycled boat, and tools to spot the various species that come to visit. This year’s awards are sponsored by Black Star Ceramics, Garners Garden Centre, Jacksons Nurseries, Tea Room and Farm Shop, and Morrisons in Newcastle.

The creative duo, known for their incredible space filled with unique and whimsical elements, was invited to gather with fellow residents at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle on Saturday afternoon. They came to see the outcomes of the summer gardening contests, which were part of the borough's celebrated Heart of England in Bloom initiative, marking its inaugural participation in the Business Improvement District category.

The "Go Bloomin' Green" initiative, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Royal Horticultural Society, inspired individuals to pay attention to environmental issues and sustainability. In June and July, judges toured various locations across the borough, including schools, community gardens, residential properties, allotment areas, businesses, and licensed establishments.

Participants received prizes, certificates, and trophies that were donated.

While accepting the award on behalf of his parents, Danny, their son, expressed:

My parents will be incredibly thrilled to receive this award after all the effort they've put in. Gardening has been their passion for life, and it brings them immense joy. They spend countless hours in their garden every day throughout the year, so this recognition means a lot to them.

My parents are constantly coming up with new and unique projects. This year, they rescued a big boat that was about to be thrown away and an old lobster trap, which they now use as a display for flowers and plants, to set up a seaside vibe. They also propagate their own plants from cuttings and seeds. On top of that, they have a system for recycling rainwater from their home, which pumps filtered rainwater to various parts of their spacious garden using a 1,000-liter tank!

Experienced contenders Graham and Vera Tagg from Porthill have won the coveted hanging baskets category with their stunning display, described as a “lively and fruitful retreat” that offers a “burst of colors and pleasure.” Meanwhile, newcomer Robert Dutton has been recognized for having the most eco-friendly garden, having crafted an impressive space that maximizes limited resources and budget. He primarily cultivates his plants from seeds, cuttings, or divisions, demonstrating his commitment to recycling as much as possible.

Kidsgrove Care Solutions has achieved a remarkable feat by clinching both the community gardens category and the special feature award dedicated to the late gardening enthusiast, Alfred Birch. A dedicated group of volunteers has revitalized a previously overlooked section of Chesterton Park, turning it into a lively space that boasts a fantastic allotment and colorful plant displays. The project cleverly incorporates the themes of the competition, showcasing unique elements. Among the highlights are striking displays centered around petrol and electric vehicles, illustrating the positive impact of transitioning to more sustainable fuel options for a healthier planet.

In the heart of Newcastle, Stock by Feasted, an energetic bar and restaurant, is rejoicing after receiving a prestigious award honoring Ros Bason. The judges commended owner Cris Cohen for his "plant to plate" initiative, which emphasizes cultivating a range of produce in a remarkable kitchen garden. This impressive garden has been revitalized with the assistance of students from a local college, who helped create a nearby raised bed.

Councillor Craig Skelding, who oversees leisure, culture, and heritage, stated:

Our yearly awards event at the New Vic remains a key highlight of the bloom calendar. It's a gathering we eagerly anticipate, as it provides a wonderful opportunity to express our gratitude to everyone for their hard work and to wrap up the year on a positive note. This year, we’re also excited to celebrate our contribution to Newcastle BID's success in winning two significant awards in the Heart of England in Bloom competition, along with being chosen to represent our region in next year’s national Britain in Bloom contest.

The gardening contests organized by the council are essential for fostering community spirit in the borough. By uniting residents through their mutual passion for gardening, they contribute to making Newcastle-under-Lyme a more enjoyable place to live, work, and visit. Participants are actively working to enhance the quality of life in their neighborhoods, and these competitions provide a meaningful purpose that many have depended on in recent years.

The judges were thrilled to explore the wonderful projects, and it was inspiring to see the theme of environmental sustainability reflected in so many creative forms. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners; the quality of work was outstanding as always. A special shoutout goes to Graham and Maureen, who consistently impress with their unique and exceptional contributions each year. Their garden is very accommodating to wildlife, featuring numerous examples. You can watch wildlife using binoculars, take photographs, and even use simple lab techniques to closely examine items like seeds and owl pellets.

In the highly regarded allotments category, Graham and Christine Hyatt, who take great care of their immaculate and imaginative garden at The Acre in Silverdale, have emerged as the overall champions. Their unique touch is evident in their hand-carved signs, wildlife theme, and top-notch produce, showcasing remarkable ingenuity. The title for the "best vegetable plot" has been awarded to Steve and Chanikarm Bowler for their stunning Asian-themed garden at Crown Bank in Talke, featuring a variety of oriental sweet potatoes, beans, chilies, and eggplants.

Samuel Hobson House, a care home located in Wolstanton, has been recognized as the best in the licensed premises/businesses category due to its stunning garden filled with a vibrant mix of annual and perennial flowers. The ongoing dedication and thoughtful design of the garden, which emphasizes sustainable planting, have also earned Keele University Day Nursery high praise in the schools category.

After coming back to competition last year after renovations, Coppice Academy in Newcastle has been recognized as the “best eco school” due to their tree planting efforts, wildflower meadow, wildlife habitats, newly created pond area, and the passionate students who take pride in caring for their environment.