Gardening competition accolade for Swindon man

A green-fingered Swindon resident has been recognised by housing association SNG (Sovereign Network Group) with an award for his beautiful garden.

Luke Carpenter, who lives in one of the housing association’s homes in Tadpole Garden Village, came first in the Home Garden In Bloom category in the SNG In Bloom competition. 

Luke is among five gardeners and gardening groups who stood out amongst SNG’s more than 85,000 households across London and the south of England. 

The SNG In Bloom competition offered prizes across a range of categories – indoor, outdoor and community gardens, and green spaces were all in contention.

SNG’s judges made the decision based on the diverse range of plants, the array of different colours and the benefits Mr Carpenter has bought to wildlife, which make for a truly exceptional home garden. He was awarded £200 in vouchers and a trophy for winning the category.

Luke Carpenter, said: “We moved to the house five and half years ago when it was newly built, the garden was just empty and had no character. 

“I’ve spent five years working to create the garden and enjoy maintaining it throughout the seasons. As someone living with a disability, I can struggle in winter so it’s important to me to ensure the garden can sustain itself throughout the colder months, which is why I put so much effort in throughout the rest of the year.”

“I’m the neighbourhood resident plant man, whenever anyone needs advice or support with maintaining their garden, they will often ask me. If I’m working in the garden neighbours will stop as they walk or drive by to see what I’m doing now.

“In the winter months I spend a lot of time growing inside, getting everything ready for spring. After all the work I’ve done on the garden, I never want to leave this house; we’ll be here forever!”

Jamie Ratcliff, Chief Communities and Sustainability Officer at SNG, said: “I was blown away with the levels of skill, commitment and improvement shown in all submissions to our first In Bloom competition. 

“Our customers are the people who make the places we offer a home, and Luke’s work to add to his community so that it thrives across generations, as well as the wildlife and joy in his garden has been amazing to see.”