LOCAL gardener, Bruce Petty, has reclaimed the title of ‘Best Overall Garden’ in this year’s Melksham in Bloom awards.
This is the tenth time Bruce has won the title – he previously won it in 2006 and 2009, before embarking on a winning streak from 2011 to 2017.
Bruce, who lives on St Michael’s Road, also placed first in ‘Best Single Tub/Container’ and ‘Best Single Hanging Basket’.
Talking to Melksham News, Bruce said, “It feels good, it’s nice to have the title back, especially as there were lots of new entries this year. There’s a vacant spot ready in the house for the cup to return!”
With his tenth win under his belt, Bruce shows no sign of slowing down. “I’m lucky to be retired,” said Bruce. “There is never a day when I am not doing something in the garden. In a few weeks I’ll be getting the garden ready for the winter – planting miniature plants and plug plants. The work is never ending!”
Acting deputy town clerk for the town council, Lorraine McRandle said, “From a competition point of view, we had a lot of interest from new entrants, with several coming in the top three. Judges were extremely pleased with the high standard of gardens that entered, which made judging particularly difficult.
“The prize giving ceremony will take place at the Open Gardens Show on Sunday, 8th September at the Assembly Hall.
“Thank you to both Leekes and Whitehall who have donated gift vouchers as prizes, which is greatly appreciated.”
The winners of Melksham in Bloom 2019 are: Best Overall Garden, Bruce Petty. Large Front Garden, Heather Songhurst. Small Front Garden, Arthur Ephgrave. Large Rear Garden, Mary Saunders. Small Rear Garden, Pamela Blyth. Best single tub/container, Bruce Petty. Best single hanging basket, Bruce Petty. Best Water Feature, Arthur Ephgrave. Best Floral Frontage, Nikki Rowe. Best Innovative Design, David Walker.
The Emporium won Best Decorated Site (Commercial) Best Single Hanging Basket (Commercial), . Best Window Shop Display, Clarkies.
Best Horticultural Display (School), The Manor. Best Street, Woodcombe. Best Allotment, Stu Wakely (Plot 7 Addison Road). The Best Decorated Site and Best Hanging Basket (Residential Housing for over 60s) were won by Brookside.
To view the full list of results, visit: www.melksham town.co.uk
