London in Bloom: Silver Gilt award for the Old Pond Garden, Charlton House

“The transformation by volunteers is incredible” began the report on the Old Pond Garden by the London in Bloom Judges. They awarded the garden 164 points out of 200, that’s 82% and a first in my world but Silver Gilt in this particular horticultural competition! Just 6 more points and it would have been Gold – so we are in touching distance of that magic category.

The judges assessment is split into 8 categories. Our top scores (in order) were for ‘community involvement’ (92%), ‘environmental sustainability’(88%), ‘maintenance-litter’ (well done Joe), and ‘range and quality of plants grown’.   We scored lowest on ‘access for people’ and ‘maintenance – walls, paths etc’. The judges praised Jason’s “beautiful design” for the garden which has provided “radical planting changes” rather than a simple “tidy up”.  

They particularly liked the links between house and garden created by the vases of flowers in the café, with blooms relevant to the Ottoman exhibition (Kathy’s brilliance shining through!). And they were impressed by the events programme including the plant sales which help maintain the garden. The “excellent tour” included discussion of plans for the Long Border and other areas for development.

Physical access for visitors with mobility issues is a key issue for all gardens. The judges endorsed plans to re-align the paths into the Old Pond Garden as that would provide “much needed access for wheelchairs”. The report concluded that “everyone is to be congratulated on the restoration of this walled garden”.

by Stella B