Flower Power shines through as winners of ‘In Bloom’ are announced

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, has presented the Mid and East Antrim in Bloom Community Awards winners with their prizes.

As the traditional Mid and East Antrim in Bloom awards ceremony was not able to go ahead this year, the Mayor instead visited the winners in their front gardens and villages across the Borough.

Prizes were also distributed to runners up by the parks team.

The Mayor said: “Our ‘In Bloom’ Community Competitions are an important way for us to celebrate local people, network of volunteers, and local businesses who actively support our ‘In Bloom’ campaign and who dedicate so much time to planting floral displays, improving areas for biodiversity, keeping towns and villages clean and tidy and ‘greening the grey’ by brightening up forgotten corners.

“All this not only beautifies our Borough, but can help boost the economy and tourism.

“This year, maybe more than any other, has emphasised the vital role that gardens and outdoor spaces played – and continue to play – in the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the nation during lockdown and restrictions. Reports are showing that gardens, event balconies or window boxes, played a key part in stress reduction, with other benefits being time to watch and encourage wildlife, connecting with neighbours ‘over the garden gate’, and enjoying the sanctuary of outdoor spaces.

“I am delighted the Mid and East Antrim in Bloom Community Competitions continue to be so well supported by our citizens. We had entries from all across the Borough and the time and dedication of entrants is extraordinary and a credit to all involved. Everyone who took part should be very proud of their achievements.

“Thank you all for your efforts. Please keep up the good work, as we work together to create a better future for everyone.”

There were 32 individuals, business and community groups who were recognised via the Mid and East Antrim in Bloom Community Awards this year.

Best Kept Front Garden winner was Elizabeth Boyd from Cullybackey, the Best Kept Front Container Garden Winner was Chris Hamill from Whitehead.

The Best Kept Allotment Garden winner was Janet Kpakra from Greenisland and the Gardening for Wildlife winner was Deirdre Mulvenna from Ballygally.

Glenarm Village won the Best Community Planting Scheme award and the Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort won the Best Commercial Premises award.

Young gardeners from Larne, Carrickfergus and Carnlough grew the Tallest Sunflowers in the Borough. Freya Currell, age six, from Ballymena won the Blooming Creative award for her drawing of beautiful blooms.

Jennifer and Darwin Workman were crowned Volunteers of the Year and Ben Palmer from Greenisland was awarded Young Volunteer of the Year.

Anne Magee from Larne and Elizabeth Boyd from Cullybackey were both recognised for their “Outstanding Contribution to In Bloom”.

For a full list of winners and runners up, for more information and to keep up to date you can go to www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/inbloom