One person who stands out for me is Joyce who, for 48 years, cultivated and cared for the ‘secret garden’ in the grounds of Beverley Minister. Her aim was to carry out her work using no machinery, chemicals or fertilisers. She even pulled the grass by hand rather than cut it by machinery. During those years, she encouraged school and youth groups to develop an understanding of the natural world. Her work was appreciated by all who met her, and Joyce was awarded an RHS Community Champion Award in recognition. She was a true inspiration.
Another memory that springs to mind is from a visit to Penrith in 2018, where the group took us to visit the ‘giving wall’ and it was explained that produce was left in boxes on the wall for the use of those in need. We were introduced to a lady who had used produce from the wall and then decided to join the group to help others. The lady in question became a vital member of the group. It wasn’t difficult to decide that an RHS Discretionary Award should be awarded to her.
One of the most stunning horticultural sights I have seen while on tour was the Parish Hall at St Saviour in Jersey. John Hedrio, a retired farmer and Chairman of The Royal Jersey Horticultural Society, together with a small band of volunteers florally dressed the building and surrounding garden.
“The standard could have graced the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The degree of finish was exemplary and while standing there with my clipboard I thought ‘this is as good as it gets’. I became friends with John and was invited to judge daffodils at their spring show the following year, a task I carry out to the present day.”
Often while on tour judges are encouraged to partake in food or drink of local origin. While at St Clement in Jersey I was offered locally sourced oysters. I am not a great lover of salt, so the question on my mind was ‘how salty would they be, and would I enjoy them?’ I popped the oyster into my mouth and the look on my face must have said it all as everyone burst out laughing and began to cheer. However, the link with the oyster and the entry continues as I was handed the freshly washed shells as a gift. These shells are still in our conservatory as a reminder of friendship from the Channel Islands.
The power of Bloom was made very clear to me a few years ago when judging Aberdeen in the Large City category. A few days before judging day storms and excessive flooding had left the main park underwater. Photographs showed just how much water had fallen and the damage caused. However, not to be beaten, a message was put out on local radio asking for help to clear the water. The outcome was staggering – 700 people turned up to help. As a result, on the day of judging the park was clean, tidy and ready for inspection. The entry was strong, and Aberdeen ended up with a Gold medal – testimony to what can happen when people work together.
Twenty-one years before I judged Biddulph in Staffordshire for the second time, Hilda Sheldon and her husband took a holiday in Scotland. On seeing the floral displays, Hilda decided to dress the front of her shoe shop when she returned home. Planters were made and plants planted. However, on the first night the planters were overturned, and the plants left on the pathway. Not to be deterred the planters were fitted with casters, replanted and pushed into the shop each night. This continued for two years when a fellow shop owner also decided to dress the front of her shop. Over time, more and more shop owners and residents decided to play their part. This in turn lead to a Regional Bloom entry and then a national entry on several occasions. When I had the privilege to judge for the second time the overall presentation was as good as I have seen anywhere. They were awarded a Gold medal and category winner for their efforts.
“I often reflect on Biddulph as a former coal mining community that achieved great things, sometimes against the odds but always with dedication.”
I could go on. These are just a few stories about Bloom and the wonderful people at the heart of it.
