Council tenants’ gardens are ‘blooming great’ in Rotherham

Overall winner Dorota Zarod (second from right) with her father Zbigniew Hes (second from left) and Mayor’s Consort Mr Pat Keenan (left) Cllr Dominic Beck (centre) and the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Eve Rose Keenan (right).

Tenants and leaseholders of Rotherham Borough Council took part in the Garden Awards ceremony at Rotherham Town Hall.

Winners were chosen from a record number of entries from residents in each of the town’s Neighbourhood Partnerships.

There were five categories for each partnership — best garden; best multi-use garden; best balcony, patio or small space; best first time entry; and best communal area.

There was also a special commendation this year which went to Alan Nixon for his volunteer work at Bramley Sunnyside Infant School’s vegetable garden.

Darota Zarod of Herringthorpe received the overall winner prize, chosen by Cllr Dominic Beck, cabinet member for housing.

The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Eve Rose Keenan, picked five gardens to receive the Mayor’s Choice Award.

Keith Thompson of Parkgate, Rachel Johnson of East Dene, Mary Bailey of Thrybergh, Derek Lennok of Kimberworth, and Trevor Sherburn and

Robert Turner who picked up a prize on behalf of residents at The Crescent, Swinton, all impressed the mayor with their green-fingered talents.

Cllr Beck said: “The tremendous effort of the tenants is a great contribution to their local community, and the competition is a way for the council to recognise these beautiful gardens.

“They are an inspiration to take pride in their homes and neighbourhood.

“Without the tenants’ involvement, this would not be the same great event, and with the amount of entries growing each year, we expect next year to be even bigger and better, and it may even outgrow the Town Hall.”

Cllr Keenan said: “I am very impressed with what each of the entries have achieved.

“There are some incredible stories behind these gardens, and through talking to residents I have seen what gardening means for many people.

“Beautiful gardens add real value to the local area, but the care, creativity and pride people take in maintaining their gardens can have a positive impact on all aspects of life.

“This is why I struggled to pick just one winner as my choice. All the entries are a credit to the borough.”