The Parish Front Garden Competition

Here in South Swindon Parish, we decided we could improve the appearance of our area by encouraging people to spruce up their gardens, seeing what they could do to make their road more attractive and interesting to walk down. We decided to hold a Front Garden Competition, complete with poster to promote the event:

 

We wanted to take into account the fact that some people don't have front gardens, but can still accommodate window boxes or planters, so we said enter your balcony, doorstep or garden. The competition was judged by photographs sent in to the parish office. We selected six winners who will receive £50 Co-op vouchers, presented by the manager of the mid counties Co-op in Newport St.

The criteria were used were as follows: 

• Environmental benefit
• Efficient use of space
• Benefit to the local neighbourhood
• Colour and fun

I have visited two of the winning entries, and will include a few photos:

Above an over view of Rhian's wildlife friendly front garden and below Rhian with her plaque declaring her a winner of the front garden competition.

Below one of the large yellow clumps of flowers of Telekia

You're always safe with an Achillea, seen below, grey leaves denoting resistance to drought, this might be variety 'Moonshine'

I asked what these were, they are art installations

Another garden I visited was altogether different with a border and quite a few pots at different levels by virtue of shelving:

An overall view of the border with lots of Delphiniums flowering

and here's a close up of the Delphiniums

Tomorrow the winners will be attending a prize giving ceremony where they will receive a plaque produced by Cllr Vince Ayris and  £50 voucher. More to follow after tomorrow.