Gorgeous gardens go on display in Oxford in Bloom contest

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.