Blooming Fantastic!

As part of the Plymouths entry into the South West in Bloom competition, Mount Edgcumbe has triumphed against tough competition to carry away the Royal Horticultural Societies prestigious ‘Best Public Park in Britain’ Award.

Britain in Bloom, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), recognises the efforts made by local councils, businesses, community groups, children and volunteers in helping to create lasting improvements to the local environment.

RHS judges travelled the length and breadth of the UK this summer, assessing the quality of floral displays, permanent landscaping, sustainable development, local environmental quality and public awareness. They awarded 14 gold, 26 silver gilt, 24 silver and four bronze awards.

National judge Mark Wasilewski said: “The standards of horticultural maintenance were outstanding throughout Plymouth. The investment in green space in the city was a valuable benefit to businesses, shoppers and visitors alike.

“The diversity of sites and projects ranging from Saltram House to community projects such as Penlee Eco Park and Routeways ‘Diggin It’ organic garden were really impressive. And we must particularly note the superb quality of the permanent landscaping at the superlative Mount Edgcumbe.”

Ian Berry, Park Manager at Mount Edgcumbe, said: “Our Grade I listed parks and gardens deserve their high standard of grounds maintenance and these awards reflect the work that the whole team at Mount Edgcumbe has put in this year. It is a credit to both Plymouth City and Cornwall County Councils, who have worked together for 36 years to ensure that Mount Edgcumbe is always at its best and can be enjoyed by everyone.

“I can think of no other garden of this quality and historic importance in the country which is open to the public free of charge and the quarter of a million visitors who come to the park each year never fail to be impressed.”

Councillor John Ault from Cornwall County Council, which jointly owns Mount Edgcumbe, added: “We are delighted with this award. The grounds and landscaping at Mount Edgcumbe are extremely beautiful and thoroughly deserve this sort of national recognition. Cornwall County Council will be working on a course of improvements at this magnificent grade I listed garden over the coming months, and this award will be a real spur to make sure the work is completed to an equally high standard.”