Stop Press >> The theme for 2012’s Gardens for Pleasure competition will be red geraniums (which were Charles Dickens’ favourite flowers).

This is an annual competition organised by HIGHAM PARISH COUNCIL and judged on our behalf by Mr Morton Grey, retired local government horticultural expert.   There are no entry forms for parishioners to complete as every front garden in the village is considered when the judges tour the Parish looking for gardens that give the passer-by the most visual pleasure.  In reaching a final decision the judges award points for colour, choice of plants and cultivation, and the overall design of the garden.

Debbie Hunt and Graham Edwards of Lake Drive, Higham are the 2011 overall winners and photographs of their splendid garden are shown below.  This year marks the twenty-seventh anniversary of the competition and for only the second time in its history the same garden has won for two years running. The following prizewinners received their awards from Morton Grey and CLLR. Stuart Wright, at a presentation before the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday, 12th September 2011.

FIRST PRIZE (Silver Rose Bowl Trophy, Garden Gift Token and framed certificate)
Deborah Hunt and Graham Edwards of Lake Drive, Higham.

Above, photographs of the winning garden; below, Deborah Hunt receiving her prize from Morton Grey.

SECOND PRIZE (Garden Gift Token and framed certificate)
Margaret and Terence Greenshields, Crutches Lane (photograph below).
 
THIRD PRIZE (Garden Gift Token and framed certificate)
Greta Stowers, St. John’s Road.
 
"HIGHLY COMMENDED" (Framed certificate)
Anne and Rob Miles, Highwood Close (photograph below).

Anthony and June Stevenson, Hayes Close (photograph below).

Marlies Browne, Beech Grove.

"BEST HANGING BASKET AND CONTAINERS"
(Garden Gift Token and framed certificate)
Evelyn and John Leach, Telegraph Hill.

“HIGHLY COMMENDED” (Framed certificate)
The Joblin Family, Telegraph Hill (photograph below).
 
"MOST COLOURFUL PUBLIC HOUSE WITHIN HIGHAM"
(Framed certificate)
The Gardeners Arms Public House, Forge Lane.
The Stone Horse Public House, Dillywood Lane. (EQUAL PLACINGS)

More photographs of Debbie Hunt and Graham Edwards' winning garden.