The horticultural achievements of Farnham’s gardening community were celebrated at the Farnham in Bloom awards ceremony on Thursday 9 October.

More than 100 people attended the event, which was hosted by Squire’s Garden Centre who are a gold sponsor of Farnham in Bloom. The Mayor of Farnham, Cllr Jeremy Ricketts and representatives from the main sponsoring businesses presented more than 30 awards to winners of the Secret Garden and allotment competitions.

Councillor Jeremy Ricketts, Mayor of Farnham said: “Farnham in Bloom is very close to my heart so I was delighted to meet, and thank in person, some of the people who have contributed towards us winning so many top awards in this year’s South and South East in Bloom. It gave me great pleasure to present a Special Award to Madge Green who led the campaign for 15 years until 2005. Madge and a group of volunteers won numerous regional awards for their magnificent displays.

“I was also very pleased that Andrew Blagden from our corporate sponsor Hamptons was able to join us along with guests representing The Farnham Institute, Forest Lodge and the Patio Black Spot Removal Company. The evening was most enjoyable and with so much gardening knowledge in one room, I picked up lots of useful tips!”

In an earlier ceremony, pupils and teachers from local schools received prizes for their entries into the schools’ competition. The winners of the tallest sunflower competition and best upside down tomato were also announced. South Farnham Juniors grew the tallest sunflower, which measured in at a massive 3.25 metres and the judges awarded Badshot Lea Infant School for growing the best upside down tomato.

Pictured left to right are: Andrew Blagden, Hamptons International; Winners of the best front, back or small garden, Mr and Mrs Larby and Cllr Jeremy Ricketts, Mayor of Farnham.

Left to right: Andrew Blagden, Hamptons International; Winners of the best front, back or small garden, Mr and Mrs Larby and Cllr Jeremy Ricketts, Mayor of Farnham.