Sefton’s horticultural success was rewarded four-fold at the recent North West In Bloom ceremony. 

At the event in Bolton on Thursday 6th November, four of Sefton’s ‘In Bloom’ bids were handed awards for outstanding work in the community.

Blooming wonderful

After winning the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain In Bloom ‘Champion of Champions’ title for the first time in October, Southport In Bloom scooped North West In Bloom’s Best Large Coastal Resort award. 

Crosby and Waterloo In Bloom joined Southport in coastal coups, taking home the title of Small Coastal Resort category winner. 

Another triumphant bid was Bootle In Bloom, the new winner of the Urban Community category. 

Ainsdale In Bloom shared the Best Town triumph with Rochdale-based Norden In Bloom.  

All of them were handed a gold award by North West In Bloom, the organisation whose nomination led to Southport In Bloom taking the national crown.

Uplifting news

The awards provide more proof of volunteers and Sefton Council staff’s success in both uplifting parks and green spaces and protecting Sefton’s stunning, biodiverse coastal habitat. 

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “These past few weeks have been possibly the most successful that Sefton’s horticultural community has ever seen. 

“The incredible collaboration between volunteer groups, local businesses and Council staff has been the backbone of the fantastic In Bloom bids all over the Borough. 

“We see the fruits of this work every day, from the improvements to our green spaces that make Sefton an even more attractive destination, to the physical and mental health benefits for the people who take part. 

“I want to thank every person who has volunteered their time and effort to community gardening and coastal protection in Sefton.” 

There were more triumphs to toast when the individual awards were handed out. 

Jason Williams, the ‘Cloud Gardener’ whose garden with Trawden School was featured at the Southport Flower Show this year, was given the Chairman’s Award and Bill Blackledge Trophy. 

And Frank Proctor from Ainsdale was recognised for his gardening work by taking the region’s Best Private Garden Award. 

Even more accolades are expected to be confirmed once the RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards are announced later in November.