This year’s Ramsey in Bloom yet again revealed outstanding horticultural talent. At the prize giving held in Ramsey town hall on Tuesday August 9 Ramsey Town Commissioners’ chairman Captain Nigel Malpass congratulated entrants on their achievements and spoke of the ‘stunning’ displays in all categories, adding that he was pleased the competition continued to attract new participants every year. Judging took place in July by the Commission’s head gardener Ken Barnes and well-known local horticulturalist Pat Goodway who said it had been a ‘privilege’ to have visited so many beautiful gardens and witnessed such high standards. Mrs Goodway welcomed the eight newcomers to the competition this year and said that among the new themes to have emerged was a creative planting mix of vegetables and flowers providing a dual-purpose garden. An estate garden beyond the scope of the large garden category earned owners Mr and Mrs John Crellin a special commendation certificate and a comment from Mrs Goodway that the judges would welcome more estate entries in the future. The prize presentation also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of head gardener Ken Barnes who is to retire in November after more than 10 years with the Commission. The full list of Ramsey in Bloom results can be downloaded at www.ramsey.gov.im ENDS