Blooming marvellous gardens judged in Kings Langley (From Watford Observer)

Blooming marvellous gardens judged in Kings Langley

2:26pm Saturday 31st July 2010

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COLOURFUL blooms, hanging baskets, and decorative water features were just some of the floral displays judged in a competition to find the best kept garden in Kings Langley today.

The annual Kings Langley Village Garden competition, now in its 30th year, saw green fingers put their extraordinarily cultivated gardens forward for a chance to win one of the contest's coveted awards.

There were 25 impressve entries this year, with five new entrants.

Designed to encourage residents to bring a bit of colour to their front and back yard landscapes, the contest is organised by Kings Langley Parish Council and sponsored by Garden Scene nursery in Chipperfield.

Judges - councillors Jerry Angiolini and John Biggs along with expert gardener Terry Simmonds from Garden Scene - were given the difficult task of handpicking a winner from the array of beautiful and well-maintained gardens nominated this year.

Chief judge Terry said: "I think people love their gardens and I think a sense of competition is a brilliant idea. All gardeners compete with each other."

Jerry added: "It gives people pride in our village and that's what's important."

Each of the gardens entered into the contest were inspected and scored by the panel this morning before a winner is chosen tonight in four different categories, best hanging baskets, best front and bak garden and best new comer.

Councillor Angiolini said the competition was becoming more and more difficult to judge because of the high standard of entries year on year. He added that the standard was exceptionally high this time.

Kevin Lee, of Rucklers Lane, has been entering his beautiful novelty garden into the competition for at least 15 years, securing second place last year and the outstanding feature award for his vast array of beautiful water features.

He said: "I enjoy gardening and I like changing it so there's lots of different places to sit, read or whatever I want to do. My grandchildren love it - they disappear into little corners."

Freda Marshall, 78, is hoping she has impressed the judges with her beautiful garden which is bursting with colourful blooms. This year she is hoping for first place after coming third in the best garden category in 2008 and 2009.

She said: "I do this because I like to see the colour and to keep the gardens and the area looking nice."

Her late husband Earnest, who died seven years ago, aged 74, won the novice prize when the couple first entered the competition in 1991.

Councillor Biggs concluded: "It's important that people do try and keep the environment open and encourage wildlife. There are a great number of gardens paved over completely - it's very sad to see the area drying up gradually."

The lucky winners and runners up will be announced on Monday. Keep checking the Watford Observer's website.

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