Gardening is labour of love
Green-fingered residents who have fussed over their flowers and pampered their plants have been rewarded by judges in a Black Country competition. Green-fingered residents who have fussed over their flowers and pampered their plants have been rewarded by judges in a Black Country competition. The winners of the annual Dudley Council-run gardening competition have been named after judges spent three days judging 57 entries from across the borough. This year's overall winner was Geoffrey Withers, pictured, from Margaret Road, in Halesowen, whose garden was described by judges as "wonderful" and "like walking from one room into another with something new round every corner". Mr Withers, aged 72, has more than 60 years of gardening experience. He described his garden as a "labour of love" which has taken him around seven years to create. Despite this summer's awful weather, the standard of entries in all three categories was very high, while out of the 57 entries, 28 were first-time entrants. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
The winners of the annual Dudley Council-run gardening competition have been named after judges spent three days judging 57 entries from across the borough. This year's overall winner was Geoffrey Withers, pictured, from Margaret Road, in Halesowen, whose garden was described by judges as "wonderful" and "like walking from one room into another with something new round every corner".
Mr Withers, aged 72, has more than 60 years of gardening experience. He described his garden as a "labour of love" which has taken him around seven years to create.
Despite this summer's awful weather, the standard of entries in all three categories was very high, while out of the 57 entries, 28 were first-time entrants.
The Sheltered Scheme winner was Netherton Lodge, with the award for the High Rise Communal Garden going to Baylie/Kennedy Court in Stourbridge.
The most creative garden award was won by Karen Bennett of Wood Road, in Sedgley.
Lead member for housing, Councillor Mike Evans, said: "The gardening competition has been running for more than 23 years and is a great testament to the tenants of Dudley.
"It encourages people to take pride in their gardens and the results are absolutely superb."
Linda Sanders, director of adult, community and housing services, added: "The annual garden competition is a great opportunity for people to show off their skills and demonstrate the diversity of both plants and wildlife that are on offer in Dudley's gardens.
"We have some wonderful gardens across the borough and this event is a showcase for them and the skills and hard work that go into creating them."