Despite challenging weather this year, green-fingered tenants and leaseholders in the district have braved the rain and cold to nurture their beloved gardens.
The stunning green spaces submitted by F&HDC tenants and leaseholders were visited in July and certificates and prizes have now been given to the winners
Judges were incredibly impressed by the standard of entries.
The winners and runners-up were:
Best communal garden and winner of the Sue Willshire Cup – Alexandra Court, Hythe
The transformation at Alexandra Court has been brilliant to witness. In the last couple of years the green fingered tenants of Alexandra Court have completely overhauled the gardens to the rear of the scheme. Turning unkempt and muddy land into manicured lawns and creating home crafted planters from old pallets.
Alexandra Court won best new garden in 2023 with the Keren Belcourt Rose, which now flourishes in a central pride of place. In the past year so much more work has gone into the garden that it was a real treat for the judges to come and see all the progress.
The creative and talented team are made up of Ricky Fairbrother, Colin Elvy and Lesley Forbes and are supported by essential tea suppliers Yvonne Fairbrother and Janet Elvy.
Runner up best communal garden, Bradfoord Court, Folkestone
The tenants at Bradfoord Court have done an amazing job of making their communal space an oasis of greenery and colourful flowers.
Their garden includes a large shared picnic and BBQ area, that has encouraged tenants to come together for social meals and get togethers.
They also have a lovely fishpond that has been very well cared for, as well as a herb garden – yes you just know that there is a talented ex chef in residence! The hospitality at Bradfoord Court is a wonderful thing to witness.
Best new garden (Keren Belcourt Award) and runner up best communal garden, Cheriton Wood House, Cheriton
A group of tenants took on the challenge of transforming their shared outdoor space last year, between them, they have painted, mowed, tidied and manicured the space.
They have also built sheds and installed planting beds, full of colourful flowers and interesting plants alongside beautiful ornaments and other eye-catching details.
The judges were incredibly impressed by how much they had managed to do in such a short time.
Best front garden winner, Florence Dray of Dymchurch
Florence was inspired to enter by her late husband, who was an avid garden competition entrant, winning several times in previous years for his rare flowers and plants.
Florence has since moved home and has created a beautiful front garden in memory and tribute to her husband and is now developing her back garden with wildflowers to attract and help cultivate the local eco system, always in the company of her trusty, lovely little dog.
Best back garden - Mr & Mrs Horne of Dymchurch
Mr and Mrs Horne are regular entrants of the garden competition, and their garden boasts a wonderful array of flowers, trees and plants. Particular stand out features include a wildlife pond, hanging baskets and a gorgeous hydrangea bush.
This is a home that has been loved and nurtured for many years and it is clear that a lot of love, care and attention has been devoted to their gardens.
Runner up best back garden – Dion Sessford of Folkestone
Mr Sessford has transformed his small garden into a perfectly formed sanctuary of calm for both him, and his beautiful cat. He has established lush greenery as well as a shingled area that is filled with pots of bright flowers and plants, along with well crafted summer sheds that have all been expertly painted and styled. It is a job very well done and has been very well thought out and actioned.
Best pots and containers – Mr & Mrs Plummer of Cheriton
Inspired by their travels over the years, Mr and Mrs Plummer have created their garden to reflect all of their worldwide influences. With a colourful awning and large propagation area, the couple tend to and grow an array of local and tropical plants in their garden, including bright sunflowers, orchids, and even a dahlia!
With lots of eye-catching ornaments and souvenirs dotted around the garden, you can see that a lot of imagination and care has gone into their space.