The best of Merton’s green fingered enthusiasts and environmentally aware groups have been in full bloom this year and were rewarded for their efforts by being put forward for the regional London in Bloom competition. Judging went ahead earlier this week (Monday 12 July).

The London in Bloom judges descended upon Mitcham, Morden and Wimbledon to view the boroughs finest in each category:

Commons Award – Mitcham Common
Bio-diversity Award – Borough Wide
Front Garden Award – 3, Queensmere Close, Wimbledon
Community Garden Award – Deen City Farm
Business Premises Award – Tuition House, Wimbledon
Pub & Restaurant Award – Al Forno, Wimbledon
Floral Display Award – Borough Wide
Allotment Site Award – The Paddock Allotments
Capital Growth Award – The Phipps Bridge Garden Project

All 33 London boroughs have the opportunity to enter their best sites into this competition with the aim of the event to encourage London-wide community involvement and increased knowledge of environmental issues as well as help make London a greener, healthier and more colourful city. Criteria for the Bloom competition centres on Horticultural achievement, Environmental responsibility and Community participation.

Judges visited last year’s winner of the allotment category, Havelock allotment, as well as Cannon Hill Common, Phipps Bridge, Mitcham Common, Deen City Farm, South Park Gardens and many more across the borough. Winners will be announced in September and the winners of Merton’s local competition, Merton in Bloom will be announced in October.

Merton Council’s cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, Cllr Andrew Judge said, “We are really proud of Merton’s gardeners and their green open spaces, and of those who devote time and effort to making them a place of beauty. Competitions such as these enable people to learn the importance of environmental issues and to take pride in their surroundings.”