Awards for winners of Tower Hamlets in Bloom 2023

GARDENING groups, individuals and organisations across Tower Hamlets have been recognised for their commitment, passion, and enthusiasm for greening the borough. 

Council leaders presented prizes and certificates at the Tower Hamlets in Bloom Awards 2023, which took place on 13 December at the Art Pavilion in Mile End Park.  

The annual competition, which is part of the national In Bloom scheme, encourages more people to become more interested in horticulture and to develop a greater appreciation and respect for the natural environment.  

Stepney City Farm, Canary Wharf and Michael Howard received special recognition awards. 

Judges described the farm as a shining example of what can be achieved when visitors are encouraged to appreciate nature, animals, and the environment that they live in. 

Gardening staff at Canary Wharf were praised for cultivating landscapes ranging from roof gardens and living walls to water features and tropical gardens within a densely populated and busy commercial area.  

Michael Howard, who along with his partner Margaret Cox assists with corporate volunteer activities in and around Bethnal Green including Rocky Park and Teesdale Community Centre, was described as a local hero. 

Cllr Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:   

“I am so impressed with all the Tower Hamlets in Bloom entrants and participants who work all year round to help make our borough a greener, brighter, and nicer place to live, to work and to visit.  

This annual event has grown from strength to strength and has brought our communities together through their enthusiasm and innovation for enhancing our borough.” 

Other prize winners included Lady Micos Alms-houses who won The Judges Choice Award for being a tranquil space in the middle of Stepney. Resided by an older group of residents, Lady Micos gardens are described as a haven which leaves visitors in awe, especially this year’s In Bloom judges who took so many selfies.   

Overall group winners Columbia Market Nursery School were recognised for implementing exceptional and positive planting and educational growing schemes, engaging children in hands-on-gardening.  

“The school’s commitment to fostering green fingered students is truly remarkable, where valuable gardening skills instil a deeper understanding of the natural world and the environment,” judges said.   

Lizzy Mace was named Gardener of the Year in recognition of her hard work with  Cranbrook Community Garden, working behind the scenes to submit grant applications, organise community events, arrange the ever-popular craft club, whilst never taking her eye off the need to promote biodiversity within the community garden.   

John Keith collected the lifetime achievement award. He worked at Pheonix School for many years assisting children with special educational needs and educating them in the appreciation of biodiversity and the environment.  

Cllr Iqbal Hossain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said:   

“We are grateful for all the individuals, organisations, and gardening groups who give selflessly of their time and energy to make our communities better and brighter for everyone to enjoy.” 

Applications for Tower Hamlets in Bloom 2024 competition are open and judging will take place in summer when gardens, balconies and window boxes will be in full bloom. 

 

The following entrants won first prize in their individual categories:  

Best Balcony  

Andrea Silva-Goncalves, Dunbridge Street  

Best Front Garden   

Sally Crane, Hesperus Crescent 

Joanne lee, Friars Mead 

Best Patio Container Garden 

Terence Chisolm, Merchant House  

Best Community Residential Site 

Lady Micos Alms-houses  

Best Community Garden 

St. Peters Church Bethnal Green, St Peter’s Close 

Ion Court, Columbia Road 

Best Educational Establishment 

Lansbury Lawrence Primary School 

Best Children’s Garden 

Columbia Market Nursery School    

Best Community Growing Site  

Rocky Park Urban Growers  

Stepney City Farm  

Best Wildlife, (Group category) 

Cranbrook Community Garden 

Best Wildlife, (Individual category) 

Susan Caldwell 

Best Allotment 

Susan Caldwell 

Discretionary Awards  

Best newcomer (Group) 

R-Urban Community Garden 

For transforming parking bays in Poplar into a thriving community garden 

Best newcomer (individual) 

Pat-Rowe – For producing a wildlife wonderland from nothing, within two years 

Best innovation 

Margaret Winniak – using old cassette storage boxes to make bug hotels 

Cranbrook Community Garden – For creating a mobile market stool 

Award of Excellence for Community Engagement and Participation 

Sharon Brindle, Friends of Ion Square 

Christopher Cousins, Friends of Ion Square 

Special Recognition Award 

Stepney City Farm 

Canary Wharf 

Michael Howard 

Special Contribution to Britain in Bloom & London in Bloom campaigns 

Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park 

Lady Micos Alms-houses 

Stepney City Farm 

Rocky Park Urban Growers 

Phoenix School 

Canary Wharf 

Judges Choice Award 

Lady Micos Alms-houses 

Overall individual winner 

Andrea Silva-Goncalves, Dunbridge Street  

Overall group winner 

Columbia Market Nursery School 

Gardener of the year 

Lizzy Mace 

Lifetime Achievement Award 

John Keith, Phoenix School