La Baguette

by Jeff Hathaway

This was the first year that St Brelade in Bloom organized a garden competition for the best of the Parish’s gardens, and floral displays. The competition Judges were Derek Noble, of the TTS Horticultural Department, and Dennis Shaw, Jersey’s well known and loved gardener, who for several years was the BBC Radio Jersey resident expert.
Our two judges were shown around the entries by Reg Langlois, the originator of the idea for this competition. There were entries for 7 of the 13 categories. In the circumstances the judges agreed to move or reassign entries or categories to suit.
The Presentation ceremony was held on Thursday 3rd September in Reg’s Garden where the prizewinners and other guests, which included Senator Sarah Ferguson, were treated to some light refreshments before the winners were announced. The Presentations were made by Margaret Holland Prior, St. Brelade Parish in Bloom and Britain in Bloom Co-ordinator.

The winners were:
Class 1: Domestic Premises, container and hanging basket:
Winner: B & G Le Masurier, Skein, Route Orange.
Class 2: Gardens of over 2 perch and up to 5 perch in area
Winner: D. Wheeler, 97 Quennevais Park.
Class 8. Farm Gardens attached to a bona fide farm
Winner: Max de la Haye, La Mont, La Rue du Pont Marquet
Class 9. An Environmental garden of any size, no professional assistance allowed.
Winner: J. Huby, 1 Les Landes Avenue, Route des Genets
Class 10. Gardens attached to a bona fide Hotel, Guest House, Restaurant or Business
Winner: The Panorama, Rue du Croquet
Class 12. Container gardens and hanging baskets attached to a bona fide Hotel, Guest House, Restaurant or Business
Winner: NatWest Bank, St Aubin
Class 13. A garden of any size attached to a Tourist attraction – no professional assistance allowed.
Winner: Reg’s Garden, Route des Genets

Parish in Bloom Co-ordinator Margaret Holland Prior said: “Although the number of entries was understandably low for a first year of competition, standards were higher than expected. All entrants are to be congratulated for their tremendous effort”.
Both of the judges, Denis Shaw and Derek Noble were clearly impressed with the standard too. Winner of Class 2, David Wheeler attracted special comment from Denis Shaw who described his garden as “outstanding”. Each of the prizewinners received an HTA Garden Centre voucher for £50. Certificates, signed by the two judges and Connetable Mike Jackson, are to presented to prizewinners later in the year.
Reg Langlois said: “It is hoped that 2010 will see a much larger entry and the competition will become a firm part of the Parish calendar.” “We will be delighted to receive entries at any time before the competition. Forms are available at the Parish Hall should anyone wish to enter for next year now” Alternatively an Entry Form can be downloaded from the La Baguette website at www.labaguette.org.je together with competition rules and details of entry classes.