Scarecrow and gardening awards are practically perfect in every way
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Scarecrows inspired by films took over the grounds of Weston Park yesterday as part of a gardening and scarecrow competition organised by The Wrekin Housing Trust for their retirement communities. Mary Poppins, Frankenstein and Hercules Poirot all made an appearance.
But it was Worzel Gummidge and Aunt Sally who proved to be practically perfect in every way and took first prize.
The new scarecrow category was part of the Trust’s annual awards which celebrate the gardens of older residents across Shropshire and Staffordshire. Over 100 residents attended the ceremony held at Weston Park and celebrated with a delicious afternoon tea.
Weston Park’s head gardener, Martin Gee, judged all entries which also included categories for best individual garden, best pots and best community garden.
Martin said, “Everyone has done extremely well and upped their game. In some cases it’s been difficult to make a decision but we have to have a winner. The scarecrows have been real fun. A lot of thought and effort that has gone into each one and it wasn’t an easy job to judge them. They are a credit to everyone.”
Joan Barker from Chockleys Drive, Leegomery who created the winning scarecrow said, “I’m thrilled to win. I knitted Worzel from scratch as I wanted a challenge for my 80th year, once he was finished I realised he needed a partner so I created Aunt Sally. I was keeping them outside but the blackbirds kept pinching the stuffing!”
Katrina Pooler, Events Coordinator for The Trust said, “Our annual competition has attracted some stunning entries this year and it’s fabulous to see everyone celebrating their achievements here together. The competition has been a great way to get residents out of the house and into the garden and also to come together and socialise.”
Best communal garden was won by Cornmell Lea in Newport. Derek Kennedy from Hazel Way, St Georges won best individual garden and the most environmentally improved award went to Morton Court in Dawley for incorporating wildlife friendly aspects such as bug hotels and plants to attract wildlife. Best planter went to Mr and Mrs Rossiter from Oswestry and garden in a pot was won by Chrissie McArevey from St Georges.
Pictured below are some of the worthy winners:
16th July 2019