The bee's knees: insect-friendly gardener's sweet success in RMBC contest

A NEW award for being bee-friendly was handed out at Rotherham Council’s annual gardening awards, which also celebrated the efforts of Rotherham’s young gardeners.

Karen Keegan proved she was the bee’s knees by scooping the prize for having the “best pollinator garden”, while Charlotte Cooper was named best gardener aged under 25, with sisters Ruby and Erin Rudland-Hartley taking second prize.

The winners celebrated at Clifton Park - with Brinsworth resident Kevin Tyler taking the overall prize.

Judge Cllr Dominic Beck, cabinet member for housing (pictured below with The Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham, Cllr Jenny Andrews and Cllr Jeanette Mallender, and the winners), thanked all 65 entries and added: “We are proud there are so many beautiful gardens on our estates.

“Each garden is a real asset to their local communities, making them more attractive places to live. 

“We have received some amazing entries this year displaying creativity, taking lots of care and paying a close attention to detail.”

Robert Munro, of East Dene, won the Mayor’s Choice award, chosen by the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Jenny Andrews.

She said: “The tenants have showed they really enjoyed growing and tending to plants and vegetables in their own gardens.

“There is such a great sense of pride that our tenants have in their gardens and green spaces. We encourage more tenants to join in the competition next year.

“Gardens don’t have to be perfect. Whether they have pots on a balcony or a large community garden filled with plants, we have a category for everyone to have a chance of winning.”

Individual category winners were given a £50 voucher and framed photo of their garden, with the overall winner taking £200 and a trophy.

Call 01709 822100 or email [email protected] to enter next year.