The ‘best kept garden competition’ which took place in the summer was so successful we are organising another for next year! The competition was organised so as to both identify Swan residents who make worthy efforts to enhance the outside appearance of their home and also to encourage neighbourhood pride.

Judging took place in July with seven prize categories which included best whole garden; front garden, rear garden; communal garden, patio; balcony; hanging basket/ window box. There were 3 prizes in each category made up of gardening vouchers to the value of £50, £30 and £20.

The competition judge, landscape designer and Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist Stephen Hall commented on the noticeably high standard of the entries and was encouraged by the many areas visited where neighbours had assisted each other, swapped gardening tips and created an attractive impact on their streets and communities.

Best Whole Garden

Gillian Davies, Noak Hill.
Stephen’s comments: “Stunning features, unity of materials and planting. Superb Romany caravan.
Water features and special features are lovely. Beautiful.

Gillian of Noak Hill has spent the ten years she has been living at her home transforming her front and back garden. She has given her gardens a log theme, fitting with her nature reserve surroundings and has put a Romany caravan in her back garden which has been adapted as a hideout for her daughter.

Gillian Said: “I am absolutely over the moon to win 1st prize, I really didn’t expect it. I love gardening, I find it very relaxing and going out in the garden every day helps me to chill out.

“I taught myself and started off small and it has just got bigger and bigger. I am encouraging my
neighbours to do the same and have helped my next door neighbour change her garden. I also help out with an elderly neighbours garden too, and I have promised to help someone else across the road do hers!”

Best Front Garden

Jan Dalton-Frances, Basildon.
Stephen’s comments “Good texture. Good use of planting and wildlife is evident.”

Best Back Garden

Mrs Spooner, Pitsea.
Stephens comments: “Traditional 1930’s style. Lots of beautiful pots. Excellent planting, flowering well.

Best Communal Garden

Residents of Boyescroft,
Gt Dunmow
Stephens comments: “Very effective use of space. Plants in good condition. Some lovely corners and borders. Lots of interest and a garden used by all residents.

Best Hanging Baskets

Gillian, Noak Hill.

Get ready for next year...
Everyone knows the difference an attractive, well kept neighbourhood can have on people. None of us want to be embarrassed by where we live and the garden competition goes to prove that people can feel proud of where they live.

But not everyone is lucky enough to have green fingers, so next year our garden competition will focus on the difference you have made to your community. We want to hear more about sharing expertise, seeds and cuttings. Have you got the young people inspired and involved in growing their own food? Perhaps you can get together with a group of nieghbours to tidy a play area. Look out for further details.

 Swan Newsletter Winter 2005 (895.65 kB)