GARDENERS across Oxford have been recognised for their horticultural and floral skills at the Oxford in Bloom 2016 competition.

More than 100 entrants gathered at Oxford Town Hall to receive prizes and certificates presented by Deputy Lord Mayor Rae Humberstone.

Of the winners Chris Perks won the hotly-contested best-kept small garden for his colourful front garden in Palmer Road, Wood Farm.

Roy Cox came second for his garden at Mill Street, off Botley Road, followed closely by Deborah Sue Chapman whose garden, off Abingdon Road, earned her bronze.

School children at East Oxford Primary School, in Union Street, were presented a trophy from Templars Square Shopping Centre Management Team for their winning entry in the junior Oxford in Bloom competition for the Schools and Community category.

Outdoor Learning Officer at the school Julie Norris was on hand to accept the award at last month's ceremony. She said: “It was very exciting. We didn’t know how it would go.

“I think it had been a difficult season so we didn’t have masses of blooms this time but I was able to show the judges all the other things we do at the school as well.”

St Andrew’s Primary School, in London Road, Headington, was awarded the silver medal while New Marston Primary School, in Copse Lane, Marston, came third for their display.

Higher Education establishments which were also recognised.

The Rhodes Trust won the university and college display prize, followed by Merton College and Magdalen College in third place.

Councillor Linda Smith said of the event: “We were delighted by the very high standard across all the categories.

“The commitment by all entrants is tremendous and I would like to thank all local sponsors and entrants for their continued support of Oxford in Bloom.

“This competition is a great opportunity for everyone to get involved, watch our homes, businesses and communities spring into flower, and provide a colourful backdrop to our lives.”

Other winners this year included residents of Vicarage Court, a sheltered housing property off Abingdon Road, for their well-kept and varied communal gardens in the first entrant category.

South Oxford Bowls Club took the small business category and Templars Square Shopping Centre, Cowley, was awarded the large business accolade.

The community garden therapy award went to Vicarage Court, in Vicarage Road, New Hinksey, while the therapy garden award was given to Jackson Cole House, in St Thomas Green, in Oxford city centre.

The best kept large garden was won by Mr and Mrs Harman, followed in second place by Madeline Van der Wal and third-placed Parris and Julian Crausby-Ward.

Most beautiful container was won by Chris Perks and the winner of winners was Roy Cox.

The Oxford In Bloom competition has been running since 1986 and is held in partnership with Yarnton Nurseries, ADS Oxford, Breckon and Breckon, Templars Square Shopping Centre, Isis Creative Farming and a committee of volunteers.

The competition is free-to-enter and next year’s event will launch in May with entries accepted until the beginning of July before the prize-giving ceremony in September.

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