Every year, we host a garden competition to recognise our tenants and leaseholders who go the extra mile with their outdoor spaces. The special touch? All the entries are judged by our very own Tenants' Forum - our involved tenants who represent the voices of all Cornwall Housing tenants. It’s a competition for tenants, judged by tenants, and it’s all about celebrating the green thumbs and gardening lovers in our communities.
The Tenants’ Forum hit the road, traveling across Cornwall to meet and celebrate the winners of our 2024 Garden Competition. Every garden was bursting with creativity and care and with such an amazing variety of entries, including two communal gardens, it was a hard task to pick the winners. After much deliberation, the Tenants' Forum picked the top three, who each received a certificate and a shopping voucher.
Drum roll, please! The winners are…
1st Place: Teresa and Shaun from St Newlyn East
First place went to Teresa and Shaun, twin siblings from St Newlyn East. When they first moved in, the garden was completely overgrown, but their hard work over the years has transformed it into something special.
"We were really surprised with the results. We saw the competition a couple of years ago and thought we'd give it a go this year - we had never entered a competition before. When we moved in, the garden was a wilderness. We've been working on it for two years - it’s been hard work. We've been tenants for over 60 years, growing up in a Cornwall Housing home just across the road. Gardening is worth the effort. We’d encourage everyone to enter the competition next year."
Pictured: Chair of the Tenants’ Forum, John,
presenting Teresa and Shaun with their certificate.
2nd Place: Angie from Padstow
In second place was Angie from Padstow, whose garden is a vibrant mix of mature plants and jungle animals. She’s even created a pirate-themed area at the bottom of the garden, complete with a bar.
"During challenging times, I started spending more time in the garden to help me sleep. A good session in the garden is enjoyable and really tires you out. I’m not good at sitting still, so I love my time in the garden. I’d recommend that other residents start by looking at the view outside their windows and make that a pleasant place, then extend it further. Working in the garden gives you a real sense of achievement."
Pictured: Bridget presenting Angie with her certificate.
3rd Place: Veronica from Kingsand
Veronica from Kingsand took third place with a garden that feels like an extension of her home. And yes, that’s her dog happily lounging on the sun chair!
"I was shocked but pleasantly surprised to win a prize after entering this year’s competition. I’d recommend making your outside space an extension of your home, filled with friends and family watching the flowers develop."
Pictured: Paul presenting Veronica her certificate.
Special Recognition Awards
We also wanted to highlight a wonderful communal garden created by Nikki and Marylin in Polperro. These two have worked together to create a beautiful space that all the residents can enjoy.
Additionally, Derek from Malabar Estate in Truro received special recognition for his community fruit and vegetable patch. Encouraged by a member of our staff to enter, Derek showcased a lovely plot filled with various fruits, vegetables, and flowers, which he generously shares with his neighbours.
Thank you for your blooming amazing entries, it’s safe to say the love for outdoor spaces is thriving here in Cornwall!
A big thank you to everyone who entered the competition! Each garden, no matter the size, was appreciated, and everyone received a certificate for their efforts in maintaining such lovely outdoor spaces.
Get ready for the 2025 Garden Competition!
The 2025 Garden Competition will open in early 2025. We encourage all tenants and leaseholders to enter, whether you have a large garden, a small patio, or a balcony with window boxes. Remember to take photos throughout the year to capture the beauty of all seasons! The deadline for entries will be at the end of July.
Need more information? Contact the Communication & Engagement team at: myviews@cornwallhousing.org.uk
Email: info@cornwallhousing.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 1234 161
