Gardeners across the city have been recognised for their horticultural and floral mastery at the Oxford in Bloom 2016 competition presentation on Thursday 15 September at Oxford Town Hall.
The event organised by the Oxford in Bloom committee, was attended by over 100 entrants and their family and friends who were eagerly awaiting the results from the nine competition categories as well as awards for first time entry and winner of winners 2016.
The prizes and certificates were presented by Deputy Lord Mayor Rae Humberstone, local sponsors and Councillor David Henwood who also compered the evening.
Keith Stacey, Managing Director (Sales) from sponsors Breckon and Breckon, presented the winner of the hotly contested best-kept small garden category to Chris Perks, for his colourful front garden in Wood Farm.
School children from East Oxford Primary School proudly accepted their trophy from Templars Square Shopping Centre Management Team for their entry in the Junior Oxford in Bloom – Schools and Community category. The prize reflected their combined outdoor learning and educational programme that has resulted in a wide variety of planters and floral areas within the school grounds.
Recipients of the first time entrant category were residents of Vicarage Court, a sheltered housing property off Abingdon Road for their well-kept and varied communal gardens.
Oxford In Bloom is not restricted to residential properties and competition was fierce in the ‘Best business in bloom’ categories, with South Oxford Bowls Club taking the small business category and Templars Square Shopping Centre taking the large business accolades.
Councillor Linda Smith, Board Member for Leisure, Parks and Sport, said: “We were delighted by the very high standard across all the categories. The commitment by all entrants is tremendous and I would like to thank all local sponsors and entrants for their continued support of Oxford in Bloom.
“This competition is a great opportunity for everyone to get involved, watch our homes, businesses and communities spring into flower, and provide a colourful backdrop to our everyday lives.”
The Oxford In Bloom competition has been running since 1986 and welcomes entries from as wide a cross section of people as possible.
Oxford In Bloom is an initiative of Oxford City Council in partnership with, Yarnton Nurseries, ADS Oxford, Breckon and Breckon, Templars Square Shopping Centre, Isis Creative Framing and a committee of volunteers.
List of winners:
- Best kept small garden – Chris Perks
- Best kept large garden – Mr and Mrs Harman
- Most beautiful container – Chris Perks
- Junior Oxford in bloom – school and community group – East Oxford Primary School
- Display by University or College – Merton College
- Community Garden – Vicarage Court
- Best Large Business in Bloom – Templars Square Shopping Centre
- Best Small Business in Bloom – South Oxford Bowls Club
- Therapy Garden – Jackson Cole House
- Winner of Winners – Roy Cox
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