As many of you know, Peabody holds a gardening competition each year – and it’s open to all residents. The idea is simple: to bring people together through a shared love of nature. And it certainly did just that this year, with some wonderful entries from TCH schemes. 

The competition had several categories: 

• Home produce – where the quality, size and variety of fruit and veg were judged 

• Most colourful – celebrating vibrant, eye-catching displays of flowers and plants 

• Most creative – showcasing imaginative designs and clever use of outdoor space 

Residents could take part on their own or team up with neighbours, and applications were made either directly or through their Housing Officer. 

This year, residents from eight of our schemes took part: St Stephens Court, Rosewell House, St Andrews, Garlick Court, Evernden, Meadow View Court, Watling Court and Lawson House. 

And we’re proud to say – many of them came away with awards!  

Home produce

• Jane & Mitch from St Andrews (supported by Housing Officer Liza Hawkes) won 2nd runner-up. Judges praised their “good looking produce and garden design.” 

Most colourful

• Most colourful – Marian and neighbours at Watling Court (with Housing Officer Katy Miller) were the Overall Winners. Judges said: “An easy win – we were blown away by the scale, variety and colours.” 

• Most colourful (larger garden/communal) – Rebecca Anderson at Meadow View Court (with Housing Officer Wayne Lad) took 1st runner-up: “Lots of colour, great use of pots and planters.” 

• Most colourful (larger garden/communal) – A resident from No.16 Evernden House (entered via Doug, Independent Living Housing Officer) achieved 2nd runner-up: “Good variety of planting packed into a small space – with plenty of seating for everyone to enjoy.” 

Most creative

• Most creative – Haylana from St Andrews (with Housing Officer Liza Hawkes) earned 1st runner-up. Judges loved the clever touches: “Bird boxes on the wall and even the gate was part of the design.” 

• Most creative – Mrs Neale (with Housing Officer Wayne Lad) won 2nd runner-up. Judges admired “the way they used a very limiting space to good effect.” 

A huge thank you goes to all our residents who joined in – whether by entering, cheering on neighbours, or helping with applications. Thanks also to our colleagues for their support in making sure residents could take part. Together, you’ve helped bring colour, creativity and community spirit to our homes. 

We’re already looking forward to seeing even more entries next year. Whether you have a window box, a small patch, or a big communal space, there’s always room to grow something beautiful. Why not start planning now?