Each summer, Aylesbury Town Council hosts the Aylesbury in Bloom Garden Competition, inviting local residents, schools, organisations and businesses of all gardening skill levels to participate.
This year, three local schools received their certificates and trophies at an awards evening held at the Aylesbury’s Town Hall on Thursday 27 June. The awards were presented by Mayor of Aylesbury, Cllr Alan Sherwell and Michael Donnachie from Michael Anthony Estate Agents.
Judges Ron and Heather Murray visited the schools earlier this month to evaluate the students’ gardening projects. Schools were assessed based on various criteria, with the total points earned deciding whether they received a Bronze, Silver, Silver Gilt, or Gold award.
- Thomas Hickman School – Recreational/Learning Garden (Silver), Wildlife Garden (Silver), Edible Garden (Silver)
The judges said: “We were impressed to see that the school has a Gardening Club. There was plenty of evidence of environmentally sound practices such as recycling, water conservation and the use of peat free compost. We felt a great sense of community – with parents and staff donating plants to the garden.” - Pebble Brook School – Recreational/Learning Garden (Silver Gilt), Wildlife Garden (Silver), Edible Garden (Silver Gilt).“It was clear to see that the students have been very involved in creating a new wildflower area for example, learning carpentry skills when they constructed a fence. The plant labels made from decorated stones were excellent! The wildflower area was very colour and had a wide variety of plants. The vegetables and herbs that they grow are used in the cafeteria which was great to see.”
- Stocklake Park School – Overall Winner, Recreational/Learning Garden (Silver Gilt), Wildlife Garden (Silver), Container Garden (Silver Gilt)
“The children have been very involved with the planning of the garden and using their own skills. There were some learning areas including an outdoor area which is used for sensory learning. We’re looking forward to seeing how this garden develops!” - Aylesbury Town Council introduced a new category for schools to enter this year – a Creative Cress Competition. William Harding School and Thomas Hickman School entered, and the overall winner was Thomas Hickman School for their interesting dinosaur design.
The Town Council would like to thank all the teachers and students involved and Michael Anthony Estate Agents for supporting the competition.Judging for the residents and organisations/businesses categories will take place throughout July and August with the winners being announced in September.
