Green-fingered residents recognised in Uttlesford Council garden competition

Life is rosy for the victors in Uttlesford District Council’s tenants and leaseholders garden competition.

This year’s contest was hailed a “fantastic success” and prizes were handed out by cabinet member for housing, Councillor Julie Redfern, last week.

She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the winning gardens. They all looked lovely. These gardens really are a credit to our tenants, who clearly enjoy creating them. Well done to all the winners.”

Saffron Walden’s only winner was Barry Richardson, from Newcroft, who collected the award in the best wildlife-friendly garden category.

The judges said his hard work was “evident, providing a variety of plants that attract wildlife and insects, such as bees and butterflies”.

Mr Richardson said: “It is so therapeutic it makes your day, on a lovely sunny day it brightens everybody up. It’s a pleasure to get out in the garden for me.”

He was presented with a pear tree and an apple tree.

Elsewhere, Darren Stolworthy, of Newton Green, Great Dunmow won best garden, Wynn Jones, of Alan Hasler House, Great Dunmow, best hanging basket, tub or pot, and Julie Bruty, of The Close, Hatfield Heath had the tallest sunflower.

The judge was Steve King, the council’s grounds maintenance supervisor, who was accompanied by Nicole Shephard-Lewis, tenant participation officer.