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mhs homes rewards green fingered residents

Garden Competition winners 2007The annual competition attracted considerable interest and the gardens of twenty one tenants reached final judging with special guest judge, Sheryl Richardson, Garden Supervisor for Garden Organic in Yalding in attendance.

John and Carol Lewis from Maida Road in Chatham swept the board and took two titles in the competition of Premier League Winner and Overall Champion with their Japanese themed garden.

Carol Lewis said, "We both love spending time in our garden, it’s very relaxing and it’s something we both enjoy doing together. We have done a lot of research to make sure our garden looks authentic with the right Japanese plants and ornaments. It’s fantastic to be given an award for doing something you enjoy. It makes our achievement seem so much more."

Best Newcomer went to Iris Burgess from Chattenden Terrace in Rochester, Most Unusual container was presented to Sandra Easter, from Freeman Gardens in Chatham who used an old stereo and Most Unusual Garden went to William Shuter from Bligh Way Strood.

Sheryl Richardson, Garden Supervisor for Garden Organic said, "I was really pleased and excited to be asked to judge this competition. I am very passionate about gardening and it’s great to see so many other people enjoy getting outside and transforming their gardens. I particularly liked how people worked together on the communal gardens. Everyone made such a fantastic effort it made my job of judging very difficult."

The award for the Best Balcony went to Elsie and David French from St Clements House, Rochester with the award for the Best Communal Garden going jointly to Mrs Carol Aldridge and Mrs Devi Henderson at Oakum Court, Chatham.

First place for the junior entry was scooped by Lily-Rose Tonkin from Chatham who won a certificate, and some outdoor toys. Lily had to grow African Marigolds from seed.

Charles Brangwin, Head of Housing for mhs homes said, "I thoroughly enjoyed going round the gardens and seeing the fantastic displays. Residents who take the trouble to care for and maintain their gardens not only really brighten up neighbourhoods but they also help build local communities as many others benefit form their hard work. It’s great to be able to reward our customers for their contribution. Next year we hope to see many more entrants to this important competition"