Awards for Tower Hamlets in Bloom winners 2025

Winners of this year’s keenly contested Tower Hamlets in Bloom competition were honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony which took place at the Art Pavilion in Mile End Park on 10 December. 

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

Community groups, schools, and individuals were recognised for their horticultural excellence, environmental care, sustainable practices, and community engagement. 

Judges who visited gardens and growing spaces and viewed balconies and window boxes in summer when they were in full bloom, were impressed by the commitment and passion demonstrated for looking after the borough’s green spaces. 

Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “It’s extremely uplifting to see so many groups and individuals across Tower Hamlets championing community gardening with such passion and purpose. Your energy, dedication, and remarkable ability to bring people together to care for and brighten our borough are what make Tower Hamlets in Bloom such a special contest.” 

Council leaders presented prizes trophies and certificates at the awards.    

Award winners include Isle of Dogs resident Sally Crane whose horticultural efforts were described by judges as a fine example of what can be achieved to enhance the areas where we live. 

Sally collected the prize for overall winner in the individual category. 

“Sally’s front garden is totally eye catching with an unmissable burst of colour,” judges said. 

Bygrove Primary School in Poplar were named overall winners in the group category.  
The school blew the judges away by demonstrating what can be achieved with commitment, planning, and enthusiasm.  

Michael Smythe of Bethnal Green Nature Reserve collected the accolade for Gardener of the Year. 

Britain in Bloom Judges were greatly enthused when they visited the reserve in summer.  

“Michael’s knowledge, drive and community engagement speak volumes for just what can be achieved when a group come together to enhance the lives of others,” they said. 

Pearl Sowerby who was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, was described on the night, as the quiet strength behind the borough’s In Bloom campaign. 

Judges said: “Pearl is the backbone we’ve relied on for years, who has often worked behind the scenes. From the day this team took on the big challenge, she has stood by us, year after year, guiding and hosting judges with calm, grace, and a generous spirit. She has helped create a tapestry of colour and beauty, turning every gathering into an oasis of floral wonder and a memorable dining experience.” 

Cllr Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said:  
“Across Tower Hamlets, people of all ages and backgrounds are experiencing the many benefits that gardening brings to our communities and to individual wellbeing. Together, groups and individuals are transforming the places where we live, work and visit - making them more welcoming, addressing environmental challenges, and inspiring others to take part in activities that enrich the borough. 

“Congratulations to everyone who took part in Tower Hamlets in Bloom 2025, and a special salutation of all our extraordinary winners.” 

Tower Hamlets in Bloom, 2025 Winners 

Balcony 

Joint 3rd	Paul Moore  Sarah Dodd
Joint 2nd	Juan Martin Garces   Kaniz Rimu
1st	Andrea Silva Goncalves

Front Garden  

Joint 3rd	Androulla Ptohopoullou  Jackie Harris MBE
2nd	Keeley Venables
1st	Sally Crane

 Patio / Container Garden 

3rd	Gillian Dolby
2nd	Jackie Harris MBE
1st	Carolina Kensit

 Communal Residential Garden 

3rd	Solebay Street Senior Citizens Club
2nd	Patricia Quinn
1st	Lady Micos Alms houses

 Community Garden  

Joint 3rd	Bethnal Green Methodist Church  Stepney Green Court
Joint 2nd	Russia Lane Day Centre  Vaughan Way Community Garden
Joint 1st	Approach Road Gardens  Canal Club Community Centre

 Community Growing Site  

3rd	Swedenborg Community Garden
2nd	Approach Rd Community Food Gardens
1st	Rocky Park

 Education Establishment  

Joint 3rd	Columbia Market Nursery School  Elizabeth Selby Primary School
Joint 2nd	Lansbury Lawerence Primary School   St Mary & St Michael Catholic School
1st	Bygrove Primary School

 Children’s Garden  

3rd	John Scurr Primary School
2nd	Bygrove Primary School
1st	Glamis Adventure Playground

 Best Allotment  

Joint 3rd	Yvonne Bailey, Vessell House Allotment  Lorella Sanna, Vessell House Allotment
Joint 2nd	Emma Mulhem, Glamis Adventure Playground  Jolanta Buauskiene, Cable Street Community Gardens
Joint 1st	Martin Ford, Cable Street Community Gardens   Elias Islam, Mudchute Park & Farm

 Wildlife - Group 

3rd	Cranbrook Community Food Garden
2nd	Vaughan Way Community Garden
1st	Approach Road Gardens & Bethnal Green Nature Reserve

 Wildlife - Single 

3rd	John Schuster - Vaughan Way
2nd	Ken Greenway - Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
1st	Jane Sill - Cable St Allotment

 Business Premises 

Emily Jones, St Margarets House 

Best Newcomer 

Glamis Rd Adventure Playground - Children’s Garden 
 

Best Innovation 

Solebay Street Senior Citizens Club 

Outstanding Community Contribution 

Brenda Daly (Senior Citizens Club)  

Christopher Cousins (Ion Square)  

Ruben Darrell (Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park) 

Stephen Martin (Volunteer Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park)  

Sarah Beydoun (Rocky Park) 

Michael Smythe (Bethnal Green Nature Reserve) 
 

Staff Recognition of Excellence – Going the Extra Mile 

Fakrul Islam, Parks Team 

Kamal Hussain, Parks Team 

Warren Beach, Green Team 

Adam McMahon Green Team 

Contribution to London in Bloom & Britain in Bloom  

Rocky Park Growers 

Stepney City Farm 

Canary Wharf PLC 

Lady Micos Alms houses  

Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park 

Victoria Park Team 

Green Team 

Street & Parks Team 

Community Park Rangers