THE winner of Barnsley’s Best Garden is thrilled his ‘addiction’ has led to him picking up the coveted recognition and trophy.
Gareth Creech, 40, has lived in three houses on the same street and each time has moved his collection of tropical plants with him. They are now as settled and as happy as he is.
His knowledge and passion for plants shone through to impress the judging panel in what was an intensely close competition.
Gareth said: “It’s been quite a journey for me and my plants, moving from one house to another, I think we’ve all finally found our roots in this garden.
“Although my garden has come a long way over the past three years I still have so much I want to do, I have a small patch of weedy grass that I’m thinking about covering in sand and creating a little beach.
“I have these crazy ideas all the time. When I first started gardening I never would’ve known how much I’d become addicted to it, it’s amazing to see all my hard work pay off, it has totally changed my outlook.”
Gareth is part of a strong online community who share ideas and tips on how to grow plants from all around the world in our climate.
He added: “It’s fantastic to have met so many wonderful people who also share the same passion as me.
“Everyone has their own story to tell and I love listening to them. I’m not really a competitive person and I’m still in shock that I’ve actually won. I would like to congratulate everyone who took part in this competition, your gardens are fantastic and you’ve all done an amazing job.”
Sponsor of the competition, James Hill from Sunflowers From The Hills presented Gareth with his award earlier this week.
James said: “Stepping into Gareth’s garden was like entering a tropical oasis, filled with beautiful plants and lots of unusual features.
“You could tell that Gareth was incredibly passionate about his garden, which he’s created from practically nothing in the last two years.
“He should be very proud of what he has achieved, it was an absolute pleasure to see.”
THE community garden competition was another close-run race with the residents of Ardsley Mews just coming out on top.
The winner was decided by an online vote with people impressed by the camaraderie generated by the neighbours whose front gardens all back into a communal courtyard.
It contains two large beds, flowers for pollinators and many seating areas.
The layout of their properties has allowed all the residents to get involved with creating a unique space which they can all enjoy and contribute to.
It has also allowed the residents, who are mostly retired or approaching retirement age, to bond.
One of the residents, Kerry Williams said: “We are over the moon to have won. Although we know it’s beautiful it’s nice to think that other people do too. It’s like living in a perfect little village where everybody helps one another. People can come outside and do as little or as much as they want.”
Neighbour Brian Sanderson added: “It’s two years since we made a lot of big decisions in the garden. We came to a general consensus and we are now reaping the rewards.”
