A Celebration of Green-Fingered Brilliance!
The annual Petersfield in Bloom Awards Evening 2024 was a stunning success, bringing together the town’s talented gardeners, passionate community members, and local dignitaries for a night to celebrate the beauty of horticulture. Hosted at the Festival Hall on a crisp autumn evening, the event was led by the gracious Petersfield Town Mayor, Cllr Lesley Farrow, whose warm welcome set the tone for the evening.
This year’s awards recognized the dedication and creativity of local residents, businesses, and schools who have contributed to making Petersfield a blooming showcase of natural beauty. Whether through community projects or individual garden displays, the people of Petersfield have continued to make their town an inspiration for green living.
Distinguished Guests and Hosts
The Town Mayor was joined by several notable guests, each bringing their expertise and support to the evening. The East Hampshire District Council Vice Chairman, Cllr Graham Hill, made a special appearance, congratulating all the participants and highlighting how events like Petersfield in Bloom foster a sense of pride in the community. His words acknowledged not just the aesthetic contribution of the floral displays but also their environmental impact, promoting biodiversity and sustainable practices.
Another notable figure was Steve Amos, Vice President of Petersfield in Bloom (PIB), who has been instrumental in promoting the town’s green initiatives through Shine Radio’s popular podcast ‘Growing Together’. Steve’s passion for for horticulture was evident as he shared his thoughts on the remarkable gardens showcased this year, noting the creativity and effort put in by the participants.
Adding even more horticultural expertise to the evening was Claire Vennis, another former ‘Growing Together’ podcaster, now at Gardener’s World Magazine.
Celebrating the Winners
The awards evening was filled with anticipation as winners were announced across several categories, including Best Front Garden, Best Hanging Baskets, Best Business Display, and Best School Garden. Each winner received enthusiastic applause, as well as recognition for their contribution to making Petersfield a more beautiful and vibrant place to live.
Among the standout winners were local families, dedicated community volunteers, and enthusiastic schoolchildren who had poured their time and effort into cultivating spaces that everyone could enjoy. The night celebrated the beauty of nature, but also the powerful sense of connection that gardening fosters within the community.
Looking Ahead
As the evening drew to a close, Town Mayor Lesley Farrow thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication. She praised the collaborative efforts that made Petersfield in Bloom 2024 such a success and encouraged even more people to get involved in future projects. The evening wasn’t just a celebration of beautiful gardens; it was a testament to the community spirit that Petersfield continues to nurture.
With the bar set high this year, residents are already excited about the prospects for 2025, inspired by the creativity and dedication witnessed at this year’s awards. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or someone with a budding interest in horticulture, Petersfield in Bloom continues to be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate, learn, and grow together.
Here’s to another year of blooming success in Petersfield!
This awards evening not only honored the winners but also underscored the importance of coming together to build a greener, more beautiful community.
