Staff, students and volunteers at Bridgwater & Taunton College’s Walled Gardens of Cannington are celebrating after supporting Cannington in Bloom in achieving success in Europe’s biggest community gardening campaign, run by the RHS.
Cannington in Bloom won gold, for the second year running, with Bridgwater & Taunton College being an integral part of the campaign. Judges visited the Walled Gardens of Cannington and the volunteer’s borders back in July, awarding the volunteers an outstanding certificate for the stunning border that they designed and maintained. It is outside the perimeter of the walls of the garden and is a focal point for the whole village.
Sarah Bell, a valued volunteer at the Walled Gardens, as well as serving on the committee of Cannington in Bloom said,
“We were very pleased to be given the opportunity to design and grow the plants for this border. We used both vegetables and flowering plants to create a display which was both beautiful and munchable! We have a lot of fun as a group and many of us have made lasting friendships from coming along every Wednesday afternoon.”
Students have been involved in the wider community and have supported the efforts of the dedicated Cannington in Bloom volunteers, Horticulture Level 3 Diploma students planted up the barrier baskets for the spring display earlier this year, bringing a smile to many people’s faces!
The Walled Gardens itself was nominated for best floral display, non-municipal, which is a huge compliment as the South West region contains many stunning seaside and other stunning locations, including Bath and Truro.
The Seed of Hope project was also awarded an outstanding in ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ campaign. This is a collaborative project with Bridgwater & Taunton College providing social and therapeutic horticulture to people experiencing mental health problems, with an emphasis on recovery and exploring ways of people to support each other. Funding was received from Tesco via its Bags’ of Help initiative. £10,000 was given to develop the college owned community orchard and provide emotional support and horticultural learning to those who attend. The project includes the installation of a recovery pathway, revamping an old pump house to become a wildlife hut and various seating areas being installed, including an area named hope corner which people can sit in to relax and feel safe.
Jayne Alcock, Grounds and Gardens Supervisor said,
“I am so very proud of what everybody has achieved in terms of creating stunning and inspiring horticulture, as well as promoting a culture of inclusivity and kindness. It truly has been a collaborative project with so many groups and individuals pulling together. There is strength and resilience when communities and individuals come together under a common, positive aim.”
If you would like to know more about studying horticulture, The Walled Gardens of Cannington or the volunteering opportunities available please contact our Information and Guidance team on 01278 441234.
