RESIDENTS’ BLOOMIN’ SUCCESS
Green-fingered Sunderland residents are celebrating their blooming success.
Earlier this year Gentoo urged people across Sunderland to pull on their gardening gloves and show pride in their community by running its Give it a Grow gardening competition.
The housing group’s annual competition encourages its tenants and local schools to use their horticultural skills to help the environment and improve the community.
Now, the winners of the competition, which is in its third year, are celebrating taking the top prizes.
First place for the Most Improved and Interesting Garden went to Gentoo customer Alan Bradley, whose beautifully decorated garden at his Houghton home is overflowing with vibrant geraniums, begonias, fuschias and sunflowers.
Mr Bradley said: “I didn’t think an amateur had any chance of winning – it feels absolutely brilliant, it’s made my year.”
Pupils at Ryhope Infant School are also celebrating after scooping first place for their entry in the Best School Garden/Greenhouse category.
Susan Reed, headteacher of Ryhope Infant School, said: “It feels absolutely fantastic to win the competition and it is testament to the pupils’ hard work.
“The children love coming outside and do a lot of their curriculum work in the garden. They’re absolutely thrilled that they’ve won the competition.”
Michelle Meldrum, executive director (operations), Gentoo said: “Gardening has so many benefits and can improve our physical, psychological and social health and is a great way to bring people together.”
Gentoo offers Aspire Grants of up to £500 to support a range of activities for voluntary, community groups and community-led causes. For further information, visit: www.gentoogroup.com.