Blooming wonderful! (From Warrington Guardian)

Blooming wonderful!

AN OASIS of colour in a tropical paradise! You could be forgiven for thinking this was a show garden, designed by professionals.

Instead, it was created by retired Runcorn couple Geoffrey and Vancey Owen, who have just scooped first place in Riverside Housing's Best Kept Garden awards.

"We're over the moon to win first prize," said Mr Owen, of Weston Road.

"We spend so much time in the garden that during the summer it becomes an extra room where we enjoy relaxing with family and friends."

It has been a labour of love for this dedicated couple, who spend up to four hours a day working on their borders, which are packed with flowers, shrubs and climbers.

They started from scratch - 12 years ago.

They plan to buy a new lawnmower, plants and seeds with their £150 prize money plus £25 in vouchers.

Ken Johnson, Riverside Housing's quality assurance officer, said: "We are delighted by the response to the competition, which was higher than last year after details appeared in The Runcorn World.

"The standard of entries was very high and we would like to thank everyone who entered."

Other prize winners are Margaret Hope of Southlands Court (best communal garden), Bryan Woods of Birstall Court, Runcorn (best front garden), Howard Evans of Leaside, Halton Brook (best hanging basket), and Mrs Lynne Currie of The Uplands, Palace Fields (best patio).

They each received £25 in gardening vouchers.

The competition, now in its sixth year, was judged by Amanda Bailey, Dorothy Harper and Ken Johnson.

The awards aim to promote a sense of pride in the community.