Gardening fans celebrate Amersham in Bloom RHS gold win

Months after Amersham and Chesham flower displays impressed the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) judges, Amersham in Bloom was announced the winner live on BBC’s The One Show.

Amersham in Bloom fans rushed to congratulate the volunteers, local schools, community groups and Council staff, who helped to make the town bloom.

Amersham in Bloom coordinator Steve Catanach said: “In addition to this amazing accolade, Amersham was also named the winner of the Children and Young People’s Participation Award and the RHS discretionary Sustainable Gardening Award.

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“A quite remarkable achievement considering that we were chosen over all other entrants who are regarded as the best in the UK…. WOW!”

The win attracted hundreds of positive comments across the community.

Chesham in Bloom said: "Many congratulations." 

Jane Large congratulated Steve “and the whole brilliant Bloom team who have given so many hours to this. This represents many many years of consistent effort, imagination and planning and is so very well deserved. We feel so proud of all the corners of the town that the Bloomers have transformed, and just so pleased that now it gets the recognition it deserves.”

The Pondwicks Community Orchard and Nature Area in Amersham (Credit: RHS/Suzanne Plunkett) (Image: RHS/Suzanne Plunkett)

Melanie Wright said: “So well deserved. Thank you for all your hard work and for keeping my kids interested in nature!”

Ron Newall commented: “Brilliant, Steve! What an incredible achievement by you and your massive team.”

Wallace Wormley said: “A wonderful set of achievements, capping another successful year of teamwork, community spirit and local talent! Well done to all of you. Bravo!”

Volunteers from Stony Dean school helped Amersham to bloom (Credit: Amersham Town Council) (Image: Amersham Town Council)

Angela Ponsford said: “Congratulations to you all. Truly amazing. Wonderful news and well deserved.”

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Amersham in Bloom’s efforts to ensure flowering varieties year-round, swapping short lived annuals and boosting wildflowers paid off, as judges focused on the environment and sustainability this year.

The Old Amersham Memorial Garden tactile sensory display, rose garden and green wall pleased the RHS judges.

Amersham Memorial Gardens offer people a place to relax in its peaceful environment (Credit: RHS/Suzanne Plunkett) (Image: RHS/Suzanne Plunkett)