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ategory, and ard. k was and the put out a call st have helping to yond belief.” As with every contest, currying favour with the judges is all just part of the game… though it’s not always successful.
Roger says: “There is a bit of friendly rivalry between the groups and they tend to pull out all the stops. They really try to impress us.
“We’ve been ferried around on various modes of transport, including an old bus, helicopters and golf buggies over the years. I remember one year in Halstead, Essex, we got a stretch limo.
“I’d spotted a plaque on the back saying it belonged to a local funeral directors, who must have loaned the car for the day. People thought It’s not just about the aesthetics of your azaleas – the contest also rewards communities that bring their residents together.
Ahoghill in Co Antrim may only have a population of just over 3,000, but its inhabitants have worked tirelessly to transform the small town. And, last year, it was one of just six areas chosen to compete in the coveted Champion of Champions category, which it went on to win.
Roger says: “It’s very prestigious to win that award because it’s the absolute pinnacle. A beautiful garden isn’t just nice to look at – sometimes it can change people, and even an entire area.
Grandmothers Audrey Roberts and Irene Humphreys transformed a rubbish-filled alleyway behind the row of houses where they live in Edge Hill, Liverpool, into an awardwinning secret garden.
The area was previously used by drug dealers and fly tippers, who dumped needles, broken glass bottles and mattresses.
The gardening grannies decided to put a stop to this and began by filling a bathtub with flowers.
It has since become a safe haven and an urban oasis, and has been TRULY MOVED Roger in golf buggy we were on our way to a funeral. In Coventry, the vintage car we were travelling in couldn’t get round a roundabout because it was too long. We got stranded in the middle of nowhere.” WINNER TAKES IT ALL Ahoghill Ahoghill scored very highly and they have been consistently high over the years. What shines through is their community spirit.”
“There seems to be some sort of magic in Northern Ireland.” PROJECT Audrey and Irene
awarded a number of Bloom prizes. Roger says: “This is what Britain in Bloom is about – the personal impact people put in. It’s based on horticulture, but it’s how the community uses horticulture to improve their environment.”