Fine summer weather joined with exceptional horticultural talent among Douglas ratepayers to present judges with difficult decisions in this year’s Douglas in Bloom competition.
At the prize presentation held in Noble’s Park Pavilion finalists heard the Council’s head of parks David Hewes comment it had been ‘a good year for growers’, while assistant head of Parks Graham Newsome referred to the overall high quality of entries.
Chair of the regeneration and community advisory committee Councillor Stephen Pitts said: ‘This year has seen some truly outstanding gardening talent across all categories and I was particularly impressed by the level of interest shown by the schools where, encouragingly, young people are keen to make their contribution to a greener, more colourful Douglas.’
Presenting the awards the Mayor of Douglas Councillor Carol Malarkey JP said: ‘The Council values extremely highly the commitment shown by householders, businesses, community groups and schools to bring colour into our town. Their efforts complement the hard work of our parks team whose dedication has recently led to the Council gaining two Green Flag awards. I congratulate everyone who took part in Douglas in Bloom which every year reveals some truly outstanding horticultural talent and contributes so much to the overall green and pleasant environment of our town.’
Prizes were sponsored by Isle of Man Creameries Ltd; J D Faulkner Ltd; Logistics Training Services Ltd; Sadler Agricultural Services Ltd; Signature by Robinsons; Stephen Christian and Sons Ltd; Strand Facilities Services Ltd; and Zenith.
First prize winners in Douglas in Bloom 2013:
Hotels and guesthouses without gardens – St Heliers
Hotels and guesthouses with gardens – Trevelyan Hotel
Private houses with gardens – Mr Davies, Westminster Drive
Business premises – The Strand shopping centre
Pub/restaurant/cafe – Savoy Hotel
Public/community garden – Ballacottier Primary School
Best Douglas Borough Council property – Mrs Lee, Hillside Avenue
Conservation, wildlife and biodiversity – Mr Cooke, Murray House, Lord Street
Secret Garden – Mr Harrison, Victoria Crescent
Most improved allotment – Mr Cleverley
Judges’ special merit – Mrs Craine, Groves Road
Most imaginative floral display and winner of the Douglas in Bloom trophy – Mr Harrison, Victoria Crescent.
Photo - The Mayor of Douglas Councillor Carol Malarkey with Alan Harrison of Victoria Crescent, Douglas, winner of the Most Imaginative Floral Display category and the Douglas in Bloom trophy. Picture Andrew Barton.
