Blooming Great

Haughton Green residents are celebrating after picking up awards in the North West In Bloom competition.

After months of preparing, planting and sprucing up communal gardens and spaces on the Haughton Green Estate in Tameside which is managed by Irwell Valley Housing, green fingered residents and colleagues were rewarded with not one but two Royal Horticultural Society ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ awards at the North West In Bloom ceremony, held this year at Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.

The certificates are graded 1 – 5 for achievement, with Southey Court communal garden receiving a Level 3 Award for ‘developing’ gardens and Haughton Green Estate a Level 4 for ‘thriving’ spaces in the larger neighbourhood category.

Southey Court residents Alan Hindle and Margaret Redden travelled to Southport to pick up their certificate on behalf of the Haughton Green Garden Club.

“This is such a fabulous achievement’, said Alan aged 68. “It’s been months of hard work, clearing overgrown shrubbery and planting to create a place that all the residents can really enjoy. At the height of the summer, the garden was full of geraniums, roses and scented perennials. We’re delighted with our certificate but we’re not resting on our laurels, excuse the pun. We want to get to the next level next year.”

Nicole Kershaw, Lettings and Regional Manager Haughton Green and Stewart Holmes, Neighbourhood Manager collected the second award on behalf of Irwell Valley.

Nicole said: “We’re equally delighted. The work that everyone has put in is a fabulous illustration of community co-operation and community regeneration.”

And Alan’s seasonal gardening tip? Plant your spring bulbs now for splashes of colour in the garden late winter, early spring 2011.