On 7 February, gardening groups, individuals and organisations were recognised for their dedication to making Tower Hamlets a greener borough at the Tower Hamlets in Bloom Awards 2022. The ceremony took place at the Art Pavilion, Mile End Park.
The council runs the annual horticultural competition, part of the nationwide In Bloom scheme, to encourage more people to become more green-fingered and to develop a greater appreciation and respect for the natural environment.
Kenneth Greenway received a special recognition award for his role in managing Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, one of the most important spaces in our ever-growing urban borough. The park provides a place for ecological education, as well as an ecological home to various species unique to our country.
Other prize winners included Helen Kenney of Ropemakers Fields, Friends of Meath Gardens, and Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, who were presented with awards of excellence for community engagement and participation.
Lutfun Hussain collected the lifetime achievement award. She has worked for more than two decades to promote ethnic diversity, cultural exchange, inclusion, organic horticulture, and healthy living in our society.
Cllr Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:
“Tower Hamlets in Bloom is all about making our borough a cleaner, brighter, and nicer place to live, to work and to visit.
Throughout the years, this competition has promoted cohesion and brought together residents, businesses, community groups and educational establishments alike.
All the participants and entrants are unsung heroes, through the sheer hard work and passion that they demonstrate.”
Councillor Iqbal Hossain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said:
“From the first public park, Victoria Park, to one of London’s seven magnificent cemeteries, Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, to the infamous Canary Wharf, we bring together a flora and fauna experience unique to the country.
I am grateful for all the hard work that goes into beautifying and enhancing this borough.”
The following entrants won first prize in their individual categories:
- Best Balcony: Sarah Dodd, of Avis Square
- Best Front Garden: Sally Crane, of Hesperus Crescent
- Best Community Growing Site: Rocky Park Urban Growers
- Best Patio Container Garden: Carolina Kensit, of Campbell Road
- Best Community Residential Site: Welsh House (James Monehen)
- Best Community Garden: Lady Micos Almshouses
- Best Educational Establishment: Joint winners - Phoenix School & Providence Row
- Best Children’s Garden: Manorfield Primary School
- Best Wildlife (Group category): Cranbrook Community Food Garden
- Best Public House & Business Premises: Leslie Philpot
- Best Wildlife (Individual category): Gail Stevens, of Rhondda Grove
- Best Allotment: Juan Martin & Martin Ford, of Cable Street Growing site
- Best Newcomer: Mitchell & Joanne Lee of Friars Mead
Discretionary Awards
- Award of Excellence for Community Engagement and Participation: Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park; Helen Kenney (Ropemakers Fields); Friends of Meath Gardens
- Special Recognition Award: Kenneth Greenway, Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
- Special Contribution to London in Bloom campaign: Pearl, from Lady Micos Almshouses; Paul Griffiths & Graham Austin, Canary Wharf
- Overall Individual Winner: Carolina Kensit, from Campbell Road
- Overall Group Winner: Providence Row
- Gardener of the year: James Monehen, of Welsh House and Wapping Lane Growing Site
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Lutfun Hussain, Spitalfields City Farm
Applications for this year’s Tower Hamlets in Bloom competition are now open. Entries close on 7 April 2023 and judging will take place in June and July when gardens, balconies and window boxes will be in full bloom.
To apply, fill out the Tower Hamlets in Bloom 2023 application form.
Posted on Wednesday 15th February 2023