Green-fingered gardeners across Salford have been honoured for their glorious gardens.
Housing association Salix Homes, which owns 8,500 homes across central Salford, has announced the winners of its annual Summer Bloom gardening competition.
The popular event aims to recognise keen gardeners who work hard to keep communities looking bright and beautiful.
First time entrant William Roughley, of Kingsley Road, Swinton, was thrilled to be awarded first prize in the Best Small Garden and Raised Beds category after impressing judges with his blossoming blooms.
Retired mechanic William, 69, said: “I wouldn’t even say I’m green-fingered. I don’t know the names of all the flowers I just like to use as much colour as possible, but I must be doing something right. My secret is to water my hanging baskets by standing them in a paddling pool.”
Great-grandmother Jan Johnson scooped the Best Communal Garden title after she was nominated by a neighbour at Deanscourt Avenue in Swinton.
Jan, 70, said: “I didn’t even know my neighbour had put me in the competition, so I was gobsmacked to find out I’d won, but it was a really lovely surprise. I love gardening and being in the garden and it’s nice to know the neighbours appreciate it too.”
Scoring a hat-trick was Hazel Beard, of Queen Alexandra Close, Ordsall, who picked up the first prize for Best Hanging Baskets and Tubs for the third year running.
Also picking up the Best Vegetable Garden title for the third consecutive year was green-fingered David Oldroyd, 35, Walsall Street, Charlestown, who grows an abundance of fruit and veg in his vegetable patch.
Pat Ruscoe, of Bennett Drive, Broughton, picked up the Most Impressive Garden title for the seventh time after wowing judges with her manicured lawn and floral displays.
Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “It’s wonderful to see just how much pride people do take in their gardens and how determined they are to make their communities better places to live.
“Congratulations to all of the winners and of course to everyone who entered. We are so proud of each and every one of our tenants who put so much time and effort into making sure our neighbourhoods look blooming marvelous for the benefit of the whole community.”
