Hungerford in Bloom 2025 Award Ceremony: A Celebration of Beauty, Community, and Creativity

This year’s Hungerford in Bloom was a joyful celebration of creativity, care, and community spirit. Residents, schools, businesses, and groups showcased their gardening talents, transforming our town into a vibrant tapestry of colour and life. Each year,Hungerford inBloom reminds us of the power of nature to uplift, inspire, and unite. From colourful front gardens to imaginative courtyard spaces, thriving school plots to lovingly tended community displays—every entry is a testament to the care and passion of our residents.

Award Winners 2025

Front Garden
1^st Place was awarded to Sue & Graham Tucker – A masterpiece of colour and originality, featuring vibrant borders, hanging baskets, and thoughtful landscaping.
2^nd Place awarded to Brian Talmage – A beautifully maintained garden with clever use of space and eye-catching hanging baskets.
Joint 3^rd Place was awarded to June Cannon – A secluded haven with orange roses, purple petunias, and clematis and Jane Buckle – Cheerful and water-wise, bursting with bright blooms.

Back Garden
1^st Place was awarded to Anita Campbell & Rita Phillips – A garden in full bloom with zoned areas, textured walkways, and a covered pergola. A stunning mix of plants, vegetables, and original design.
2^nd Place awarded to Sue & Graham Tucker – A calming retreat with a beautiful pond and immaculate layout.
3^rd Place awarded to Barry Hatton – A magical space with a waterfall, tree ferns, and a touch of fantasy.

Courtyard
1^st Place was awarded to Haley Weir – A bijou garden full of charm, featuring bonsai trees, water features, and shaded seating.

Commercial
1st place and winner of the Public House Cup Railway Tavern – A creative display using beer barrels and vibrant planters, showcasing imaginative reuse.
2nd Place awarded to Hungerford HUB – A wildlife-friendly space with inviting benches and thoughtful planting.

3rd Place awarded to Tutti Pole – Practical and innovative, with a self-watering herb garden and clever use of recycled containers.

Schools
1^st Place awarded to John O’Gaunt School – A vibrant and educational garden tended by Year 7 SEND pupils, featuring composting, poly tunnels, and a Bug Hotel.
2^nd Place awarded to Hungerford Nursery School – A colourful and imaginative space with painted tyres, wellies, a new garden featuring a village grounds and lots of sunflowers.

Community Groups
1^st Place was awarded to Smarten Up Hungerford (SUH) – Stunning hanging baskets and planters that bring colour and joy to the town.
2^nd Place awarded to Crown Mews – Beautifully maintained grounds with lavender, wisteria, and terraced areas.

Heart & Soul Award
Awarded to Scott West – for his heartfelt garden filled with sunflowers, lavender, and a welcoming seat—a true gift to the community. Tragically, Scott passed away on the morning of the ceremony. We were honoured to welcome Scott’s family, who graciously accepted the award on his behalf and fulfilled his wishes. In a touching gesture, Scott’s family has requested an award be created in his memory. We are pleased to support this and will work with them to honour his legacy in a meaningful way.

Margaret Wilson Trophy – most Eco-Friendly Garden

Awarded by the judges to Graham & Sue Tucker – well deserved winners for their use of water butts, grey water, good drainage, beautiful and graceful pond attracting aquatic wildlife.

Newcomer Award

Awarded to Barry Hatton, a well deserving winner - a magical garden with a waterfall and pond reminiscent of ‘Lord of the rings, adding a touch of fantasy. The judges loved your originality and the abundance of plans in a compact space. Very organic and natural.

A Town in Full Bloom

To all our winners—and to everyone who entered—thank you. You have made Hungerford more beautiful, more vibrant, and more connected. Your efforts remind us that gardening is not just about plants, but about people, passion, and pride in our community.

Let’s continue to nurture our gardens and each other.

Congratulations to you all!

Our sincere thanks go to the wonderful businesses in Hungerford who kindly donated prizes for this prestigious event:

· Three Swans Hotel

· Littlecote House Hotel

· Downgate Public House

· Naked Grape

· Hungerford Book Shop

· Terrace View Café

· Sarah Styles of Hungerford

· Wendy Lewis Flowers

· Cooper & Cooper aka Lou Lou

· Nia Day

· Tescos

· Garden Art Plus

· Dobbies Garden Centre