Steyning In Bloom judges impressed by creativity

In June and July, a group of judges dropped by the town to admire the entries for best front gardens and see the local businesses that took part.

Steyning-in-Bloom organiser Elisabeth Hardon said the judges were hugely impressed by the high standards of planting, use of colour, creativity and vibrancy of the displays.

She said: “Congratulations to the gardeners of Steyning who have created some wonderful displays and also to the shop owners who have helped make our High Street a riot of colour.

“The streets of Steyning bloomed! So many people had made a huge effort and given us all a great deal of pleasure.”

Best front gardens were awarded to Liz Blake of Penlands Vale and Patsy and Brian Walton of Penlands Rise.

Mrs Blake said although she was awarded a prize a previous year, she did not expect to win again.

She said: “I paint pictures which are usually large and mainly of vivid flowers.

“I love colour and design. I redesigned this front garden a couple of years ago, and enjoy planning my colour scheme each summer.

“My home is quite colourful, and my garden is really an extension of wonderful colours which I love to have around me.

“My garden gives me great pleasure, so to win an award is very gratifying.”

Steyning businesses also took part in the event and adorned their windows with beautiful floral displays.

A high commendation was made to Truffles, Vintage and Home, and Springwells of the High Street for their efforts.

Mrs Hardon also extended her thanks to those that made Steyning-in-Bloom possible.

She said: “A big thank you to the Steyning Business Chamber, parish council, Steyning Horticultural Society, Springwells Hotel and the Flower Club, who have helped us raise the funds we need.

“Also a thank you to many kind individuals and organisations who have been generous.”

In May, Steyning-in-Bloom preparations were disrupted by the theft of an antique cattle drinking trough that had been taken from the High Street.

Mrs Hardon said that residents may have noticed some changes in the tub arrangements following the crime.

She said: “On the night of the May Fair, a large old cattle trough at the entrance to the High street was stolen. This had been kindly donated to us by a local farmer and was awaiting planting.

“It was a huge disappointment and no culprits found. The trough standing there now has been moved from outside the Dolls House shop at the north end of the High Street.”

A special commendation has been made by the judges to front garden competitors in 10 Mill Road, 115 High Street, 26 Laines Road, 17 Penlands Rise, 54 Penlands Vale and 2 Ingram Road.

There were also 31 front gardens that were highly commended by the judges, including a number in Coombe Road, Goring Road, Kings Barn Lane, Tanyards Lane and Ingram Road.