Young gardening talent at Wealden
For the first time, this year’s Wealden Tenants’ gardening competition included a category for young gardeners under 18 years-old.
It was won by 12 year old Wayne Blackman Wickens of Uckfield.
“I was tremendously impressed with how Wayne had started his vegetable garden from nothing, and learned from his mistakes as he went on,” said Cllr Chantal Wilson, Chairman of Wealden District Council, who presented the awards. “He told me he had taken up gardening because he was bored and wanted something interesting to do.”
“All of this year’s gardens were absolutely immaculate,” she added. “The residents of the overall winner, Streatfield House, had worked together whatever their abilities, to make a garden that they felt was theirs and was one they could really be proud of. "
The awards were presented at a special event at Hilliers Garden Centre, Stone Cross, who sponsored this year’s competition.
The winners of each category received garden centre vouchers worth £25, The overall winners receive the cup for one year and £50 of garden centre vouchers. Entry to the annual competition is free. Judging takes place in July.
Overall Winner: Residents of Streatfield House, Uckfield.
Most Attractive Garden: Mrs G Pettigrew, Hailsham.
Best Small Garden: Mr & Mrs Edwards, Hailsham.
Best Vegetable/Allotment Garden: Mr R G Cousens, Hailsham.
Best Group/Community Garden: Mrs K Barrett, Hailsham.
Best Young Person’s Garden: Wayne Blackman-Wickens, Uckfield.
Best Water Aware/Recycling Garden: Mrs Whitney Hedges, Heathfield.
Wealden Residents Forum Award: Mr & Mrs Funnell, Heathfield.
The Wealden Residents Forum Award is presented to the person who has managed to do something special on a very limited budget or who has transformed a particularly rough ‘patch’ in an imaginative way
