Prize-winning gardens to represent Oxford for Britain in Bloom competition

Massive congratulations to the Merton gardeners who have won Gold in this year’s Oxford in Bloom competition for an outstanding display by the Universities and Colleges. Not only did Merton receive Gold, but by doing so they also helped Oxford win Gold in the national City in Bloom competition, meaning that Oxford and Merton will now represent the Thames and Chiltern region in the national Britain in Bloom competition. Success in the national competition will mean representing Britain in a Europe-wide competition.

Held by the Oxford City Council, Oxford in Bloom feeds into the nationwide Britain in Bloom competition held by the Royal Horticultural Society to encourage communities to transform their local environments through gardening. Britain in Bloom has been running since 1964 and more than 1,600 groups participate every year.

Judges visited the College in the summer to see the herbaceous borders at their finest. Head Gardener Lucille Savin was delighted when the certificate was delivered earlier this week. She said:

"I have a terrific team to work with and their hard work has really paid off. Mike impressed the judges with his attention to detail on the lawns and Gwyn said they gave out a 'wow' when she toured them around the Rosebrock garden. The variety of plant species and different planting styles is made extra special by the vistas and surprises people get as they walk around. David’s great eye for design was an immense contribution and my job is just to try and keep up with them all."