THE Royston in Bloom competition again produced some spectacular displays. It gave residents the opportunity to showcase their gardening creativity and skills in seven different categories from best kept front garden to the best young persons project. Cl

THE Royston in Bloom competition again produced some spectacular displays.

It gave residents the opportunity to showcase their gardening creativity and skills in seven different categories from best kept front garden to the best young persons project.

Cllr Rod Kennedy, chairman of the Royston in Bloom committee, said: "The standard was very high and it was good to see so many people making an effort. Hopefully this will have a knock-on effect.

"There were more entrants than last year and there was a wider spread, which is a good thing. All the gardens looked great and it was a credit to the gardeners, and long may it continue."

This year the best kept front garden award went to Barry Fulton, of Shakespeare, who was taking part in the competition for the first time.

He said: "I'm chuffed as nuts to have won, but also surprised. I enjoy gardening a great deal, but I am by no means an expert.

"All I would say is don't be afraid to try things in your garden, and I think that's what caught the judges' eye.

"I thought of something different and had a go. It's original and reflects all my own ideas."

In the best container garden category, Josephine Cook, of St Mary's Park, won for the second year running and for the fourth time overall.

She said: "I am really delighted to have won. It gets harder each year to think of something different. I don't really have a secret, I just put them in and pray.

"I love summer flowers and I love gardening. I try to use as much colour as possible, and my style is bold, bright and beautiful."

Mary Hails, of Corvus Close, won the award for the best easy maintenance garden.

She said: "I am absolutely over the moon. I've had some help with transforming my ideas into the garden and thanks to Geoff Kirbyshire the garden looks brilliant.

"My favourite part of the garden would probably be the use of the evergreens, which look really nice."

Geoff Kirbyshire of South Cambs Landscapes, said: "It's fantastic to win as it reflects our work. It's a garden for the whole year and I think that it's important that people enjoy their garden all year round."

The North Star pub won the best pub/club/commercial garden. David Thake, landlord of the pub, said: "The garden looks really good this year. I think it's important for pubs to have nice gardens, especially for people and families sitting out there in the summer."

The best kept allotment was shared between Adrian Turrell and Tony Churchman. Adrian Turrell, who won last year, said: "I'm really pleased, especially after the hard work that I have put in. I'm very new to gardening. My wife suggested it after I suffered from a heart attack. It's a very healthy past time and a good form of exercise. I see it as relaxation rather than work.

"The trick is to keep on top and split the allotment into manageable sections. Then it is easy to manage and less daunting."

The winner of the best kept street or community went to Downlands, which shared the award last year.

Finally the Tom Potter's Trophy for best entry from a young persons project went to Tannery Drift School. It is the fourth time running that the school has won.

Reception teacher and gardening club leader, Lyn Simons, said: "The school is fortunate to have a gardening club and it's nice the children can watch the progress of the flowers and vegetables that they have planted.

"The club has a class once-a-week for Year 3 and Year 4 pupils. The reception class also get involved. At the end of the academic year we harvest the vegetables and at the moment the children are finishing off the last of the strawberries.

"We are all thrilled to bits to have won the award, as it's something that the school feels is important, and is vital for their learning at this age."

Head teacher Anna Greetham said: "The school is proud and extremely pleased with the award. The children and Mrs Simons have worked hard and the garden looks excellent."

n The closing date for Buntingford in Bloom is Friday, July 14. Residents can enter front and back gardens, hanging baskets, water features and patios.

The event is run by Buntingford's Town Centre Management Team.

To enter the competition call the town centre management team on 01763 274743 or e-mail tcmt@btconnect.com