LUSCIOUS Ealing scooped a bloom-ing marvellous prize at this year’s Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom awards.

The prestigious Silver Gilt was won in the ‘Large City’ category last week at the UK finals in Birmingham.

The prize means Ealing's gardeners gained a score of 75–84% and ‘met virtually all of the judging criteria and included sections of exceptionally high standards’.

Award-winning British gardener, BBC’s Chris Beardshaw, was on hand to deliver the prize to Ealing, which was one of only three areas in the UK chosen to compete in this category.

Being one of the most important events in community gardening, Ealing’s prize of the second highest medal available confirms its credentials as one of the greenest and most beautiful large cities in the UK. 

Cabinet member for transport, environment and leisure at Ealing Council Bassam Mahfouz said: “Being nominated to take part in Britain in Bloom was a great honour and testimony to the initiatives, ideas and sheer hard work of all our park rangers and volunteers.

“It certainly puts Ealing on the map nationally for being known for having beautiful parks and open green spaces that all adds to what makes our borough a great place to live.”

Teams of RHS judges spent the summer months travelling the whole of the UK in search of the best garden gems to determine which of the 72 finalists would get their green fingers on the top prizes.

The finalists were judged on community participation, environmental responsibility and horticultural achievement.

“The judges were very impressed by the way communities refused to let the many challenges they faced hold them back,” said Roger Burnett, chairman of the UK judging panel. 

“The finalists’ desire and determination to make their environment as green and pleasant as possible was truly humbling.”

The awards celebrated the 300,000 Bloom volunteers without whom grey and unloved areas would not be able to be transformed into greener, cleaner and more beautiful spaces.

Mr Burnett added: “We as judges are privileged to have a front row seat to see Britain in Bloom volunteers change the lives of thousands through their work.

“And it’s fitting that their efforts are recognised and celebrated.” 

For more information about RHS Britain in Bloom visit www.rhs.org.uk/communities