Ryde in Bloom 2021 was bigger and better than ever before! The last year has shown our communities how important gardens and outside spaces are for mental health and wellbeing and we at Ryde Town Council are determined to do our part.
We had some very generous prizes from our Ryde in Bloom 2021 partners Wightlink, Goodleaf Tree Climbing, Ryde Co-op and Haylands Farm, so we were able to give a number of prizes in each category. The level of entries from everyone was fantastic.
The overall winners were:
ADULT CATEGORY – Francis Brett
UNDER 16 CATEGORY – Lucas (14) Special Achievement Award
Other Adult category winners included:
John Vaughan – 2nd Place
Joy Moore – 3rd Place
Andria Richards – 4th place
Jocelyn Eggleton – Award for most creative use of small space
Lucy Southwell – Award for transformed Allotment
Rosina Serman – Award for best use of a difficult space
Solent Inn – Award for best commercial space
Star Coffee and Ale House – Award for Innovation
Lyn Blackledge – Award for Transformation & Community Engagement
Ken & Sylvia Knight – Award for volunteer engagement
Other Under 16 category winners included;
Frida Douglas – Award best miniature garden
Henry Tucker – Award for Most established Cosmos
Joseph Sabine – Award for Most creative garden
Maison Wetherick – Award Most imaginative use of Cosmos
Millie Dyer – Award for best seedling
Ryde Town Councillor and Ryde in Bloom judge Karen Lucioni said:
“This year we wanted to get as much of the community involved in Ryde in Bloom as possible and we certainly achieved that! We’ve had so many entries from people who have never entered before and I was especially thrilled at the quality, inventiveness and obvious passion that have been shown.”
Mike Fitt OBE, Ambassador and competition judge for South & South East In Bloom was delighted to have been involved once again.
“Having had the privilege of being invited to judge the competition entries for Ryde in Bloom 2021, it was wonderful to see the broad age range of those taking part, from local schoolchildren to those of more mature years. Each entry had its special qualities and there was no mistaking the effort put in by all entrants in greening and beautifying their patch.
For example, this might be seedlings carefully nurtured, a miniature garden grown in a tray, wildlife friendly features created, courtyards and small spaces artfully planted, gardens expertly maintained, or a vegetable plot full of tempting garden produce. All worthy of congratulations, well done.”
Stuart James, Marketing and Innovation Director at Wightlink, said:
“It is wonderful to see the colourful displays created by Ryde residents, it is obvious that a lot of hard work has gone into producing such colourful blooms. We are delighted to support Ryde in Bloom which has played an important role in encouraging people to spend time outdoors and benefit from the joy that gardening can bring. Congratulations to all the winners for creating such imaginative displays which have brightened up the town this summer.”
Goodleaf Tree Climbing, said;
“We’re so delighted to sponsor Ryde in Bloom. Anything to encourage people to get outside and engage with nature – it’s so important for all our wellbeing. Congratulations to all the winners!”
Councillor Lucioni added further:
“Ryde is full of wonderful gardeners with very green fingers who have provided a fantastic splash of colour even if the sun hasn’t shone as much as we would all have liked. I am very excited to see what Ryde can achieve in 2022.”
Ryde in Bloom 2021 was sponsored by Wightlink, Goodleaf Tree Climbing, Haylands Farm and Ryde Coop.