Mario Bautista
The gardening initiative, Rooting for Andover achieved the highest accolade, a level 5 ‘outstanding’ rating for the garden and its involvement with the local community.
They also won two silver awards for their environmental and sustainability achievements and their efforts to make the garden a ‘community’ space.
The presentation was held at the RHS gardens in Wisley, Surrey.
Judges for the South and South East in Bloom were impressed by the group’s continued efforts: “The group has expanded the garden which now includes a large polytunnel, additional growing areas, the community orchard and wildflower meadows are maturing to great effect both inside and outside the garden area.”
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Michael Parker, Chairman and one of the founders of Rooting for Andover said: “The continued success of the community garden is down to the hard work of everyone involved. We are lucky to have a great bunch of volunteers and supporters who are the heart of what we do.”
But the gardeners aren’t resting on their laurels and have been busy preparing the pond at the Poppy Garden so that it can support different species and plant life. A new area has been adopted adjacent to the main garden which will be maintained to a semi-natural state to encourage greater biodiversity and pollinators. They are also hoping to create pathways through the area so groups can access the garden and find out more information on the area.
If you would like to know more about Rooting for Andover or the Poppy Community Garden, you can visit www.rootingforandover.org.uk
