As the days grow longer and the Spring sunshine makes a welcome return, the residents of Thorngate Churcher Trust in Gosport, Hampshire, are once again donning their gardening gloves and embracing the joys of the season. With a remarkable tally of 21 awards in last year’s Gosport in Bloom competition, our community’s passion for gardening continues to flourish as they prepare for the 2025 scheme.

And now – as we approach another year of the brilliant Gosport in Bloom – we want to celebrate the community spirit, environmental care, and shared love of gardening that this competition brings to our residents. That’s why we’re sharing a few spotlights on some of our most creative, green-fingered members of our community.

At Melrose Gardens, Derek Wicks is dedicated to creating beautiful outdoor spaces. His flat is surrounded by colourful potted plants and has the look of a striking rockery. With an ambitious gardening to-do list, Derek plans to introduce cherry trees, paint trellises and install bird boxes in the communal garden area outside his flat. Working with his neighbours, he’s ordered an impressive 70 bulbs ready for planting and envisions tomatoes and peas climbing the trellises later in the year. They have also grown a fragrant crop of lavender, much to the delight of the local bumblebees! Reflecting on their joint efforts, Derek shares, “It’s nice to create an area we can all enjoy.”

Over at Thorngate Court, Margaret Jeffery’s whimsical garden is a testament to her love for gnomes. Her award-winning collection adds a touch of magic to the expansive green spaces, with plenty of gems in this hidden urban area. Margaret loves the variety that each garden offers and looks forward to adding more water features to attract birds and to enhance the serene atmosphere.

Just across the road, Elizabeth Court showcases the collaborative spirit of our community. Margaret’s son Mark is a skilled woodworker and has constructed a substantial circular raised bed divided into six sections, allowing different residents to plant and nurture their own herbs and vegetables. The garden also features bat boxes, a bug hotel, composting units, a bee run, and a hedgehog box, all emphasising the group’s commitment to protecting the local environment. Future plans for the resident’s garden include crafting a new seating area and revitalising the water fountain.

Chief Executive Anne Taylor beautifully encapsulates the essence of these outdoor endeavours: “Gardening at Thorngate Churcher Trust is more than just cultivating plants; it’s about nurturing friendships, fostering community spirit, and creating beautiful spaces that bring happiness to all.

“Last year, our residents did an outstanding job, winning an incredible 21 awards at Gosport in Bloom – a real reminder of their dedication, creativity, and passion for making our gardens thrive. It’s truly inspiring to see how they take such pride in their outdoor spaces, supporting each other and sharing their knowledge. We can’t wait to see what they achieve this year!”

As we prepare for this year’s Gosport in Bloom, the enthusiasm of our residents shines brightly. Each garden, with its unique style and character, contributes to a collective tapestry of beauty and friendship. Here’s to another year of blooming success and the continued celebration of the vibrant Thorngate community spirit!