Flowers, shrubs and trees have disappeared outside many homes and the land covered with tarmac, slabs and shale and turned into car parks.

One reader wrote: “We know people can’t always park in the road, but gardens have been torn up and many look so ugly. Let’s see more pictures of the days when people took pride in their gardens.”

We are always happy to oblige and after our first array of photographs from the annual Oxford in Bloom competition (Memory Lane, July 14), here is another selection.

Picture 1 shows Magdalen College gardeners Bill Bradley, Ed Reid, Tim Bence, Tom Spruce, Emma Harrison and Claire Shepherd, who won the award in the university and college category in 2008.

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Chris Perks, of Palmer Road, Wood Farm, in Picture 2 also from 2008, had his hands full after winning three trophies, for the best kept large front garden, best window box and as a first entrant in the competition.

The Oxford Mail reported that year: “More than 200 green-fingered homeowners and business people turned out for Oxford in Bloom’s annual awards ceremony.

“Hundreds of glittering trophies and framed certificates were handed out throughout the evening at Roman Way Sports and Social Club in Cowley. Gold medals were awarded to 21 gardeners in 20 categories.”

Sacha Kelly, 12, of Horspath Road, Cowley, won the under-11 planter competition. She said she had been a keen gardener since she was eight and it felt great to win.

The Oxford Community School pupil said: “I just love planting things and spending time in the garden.”

Rosemary Spittle, 67, of Leiden Road, Headington, picked up six awards — including three bronze awards and £105 in gift tokens.

Widower Pat Clark, 78, of Finch Close, Headington, won the prize for the Best Kept Small Back Garden.

Magdalen College won gold in the university and college section, while St Christopher’s Primary School pupils claimed top prize for the best schools’ environmental project.

Other winners over the years have included the children with outdoor learning officer Julie Norris in Picture 3 from 2016.

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In Picture 4, Josh Josephs celebrates after winning a junior gold award the same year.

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Picture 5 shows a group of judges, while in Picture 6, we see Karen Roberts, the competition organiser, at Florence Park in 2009.

Glebefields Care Home in Banbury marked International Nurses Day by bringing residents, families and staff together to honour its nursing team and two retired nurses who now live at the home.

Benazir Shakkir, home manager at Glebefields, said: “Every single day, our nurses go above and beyond to provide comfort, care, kindness and support to our residents and their families.

“Their patience, professionalism and genuine compassion make such a difference.

“We are truly grateful for everything they do, and it was equally wonderful to celebrate the incredible residents, Betty and Rhona.”

The event paid tribute to nurses Jeni, Beena, Sheela, Parulben and Ms Shakkir with gift bags in recognition of their ‘patience and genuine compassion’.

Special mention was also made of residents Betty and Rhona, who spent their working lives as nurses.

The day included a buffet prepared by head chef Vincent, and a celebration cake, with both Betty and Rhona having the honour of the first cut.

The gardens, located across the countryside in South Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, will welcome visitors on Thursday, June 18 in support of Maggie’s Oxford.

The event has been curated by Clare Foster, garden editor at House & Garden, and will raise funds for the cancer support charity.

Tickets can be booked online via: https://tinyurl.com/2f22ccyb

Guests will start the day at The Coaching Barn in Little Stoke, where they will enjoy morning coffee before exploring the gardens at their own pace.

Jodie Mutch, fundraising manager at Maggie’s Oxford, said: “This promises to be a truly special day celebrating beautiful gardens, community and generosity.

“We are incredibly grateful to Clare Foster and her friends for organising such a wonderful event, our garden owners, sponsors and volunteers for helping create such a unique event in support of Maggie’s Oxford.

“Every donation raised will help us continue supporting people with cancer and those they love.”

Highlights include Pyt House near Ashampstead with formal borders and a wildflower meadow, Froomes House in Upper Basildon—home of Clare Foster—and Hailey House in Ipsden, featuring a historic garden designed by Sylvia Crowe.

Guests will return to The Coaching Barn for a two-course lunch and can tour the flower fields at Green & Gorgeous Flower Farm with founder Rachel Siegfried.

Plants, seeds and artisan stalls will be available throughout the day.

Tickets are limited to 100 guests, with all optional donations going directly to Maggie’s Oxford.