Keen gardeners, stunning school displays and colourful businesses were just some of those praised for being the blooming best at a presentation evening.
The popular Lowestoft in Bloom (LIB) contest honoured gardeners from the schools, private sector and business sector at their annual awards evening at the Over 60's Club on Clapham Road South, Lowestoft last week.
With a good turnout as the successful prize-winners received their certificates and trophies, a LIB spokesman said: 'More than 140 people attended this year's presentation event.
'With the response to the competition drawaing in so many entrants this year, the evening was split into two halves to accommodate the numbers.'
The LIB committee said that the chosen theme of the RNLI had been 'well researched and represented' across all entries.
The committee members were joined by the Mayor of Lowestoft, Ian Graham and Waveney MP Peter Aldous at the awards evening as the various trophies and certificates were presented.
The LIB spokesman said: 'A number of pre schools and primary schools from across the area took part and the judges were overwhelmed and challenged in their decision making.
'It was a delight to see the faces of the children as they collected their awards and proud moments for both teachers and parents too.
'Congratulations go to all schools that took part.'
One of the goals for the LIB committee is to ensure that future generations are supported to nurture and maintain their enthusiasm for gardening and the environment. It is hoped that schools will be encouraged to enlist the help of volunteers and produce even bigger and better results next year.
A buffet was provided by the committee together with goodie bags for all children attending.
A raffle, with prizes kindly donated by numerous businesses, raised £180 for the LIB charity.
The spokesman added: 'Thanks go out from Lowestoft in Bloom to all who helped and supported on the evening and for the continuing sponsorship by local businesses. We are working on a community project at the Hollies Nurseries in Blundeston and also a garden at the Sparrows Nest.'
The LIB committee is seeking additional members and for further details email David Banks via davidbanks1234@gmail.com
Schools competition
A number of pre schools and primary schools from across the area took part in this year's Lowestoft in Bloom contest.
Categories included best wildlife garden, best scarecrow, best vegetable and flower gardens together with classroom displays.
In the pre school section, gold, silver and bronze certificates were awarded to Rainbow, Oulton Broad, Trinity, St Andrews and Poplar's nurseries with the best overall pre school going to Poplar's Nursery.
Best overall school gold award was given to Pakefield Primary for their outstanding entries in all sections of the competition.
Northfield St Nicholas received gold for the best vegetable/herb/fruit garden; Poplar's Primary took gold for best floral container. Pakefield Primary won gold for best scarecrow, best classroom display and best flower garden.
Other schools taking part included Phoenix St Peter, Somerleyton, Kessingland, Oulton Broad and Corton, who all received certificates of achievement.
Range of awards
Care homes from across the area also took part in this year's Lowestoft in Bloom contest.
Gold awards went to Broadlands and Estherene House for their stunning floral displays.
With bright and colourful flowers, baskets, window boxes and containers among the stunning displays throughout the town, it meant judges had a tough task choosing the winners in the various allotments, public houses, guest houses, hotels, private gardens and community project categories.
Best vegetable garden went to Tony West at the Oiley Fields allotment as best overall allotment went to Linda Turner at Rotterdam Road.
The Blues, The Stanford Arms, The Carlton Crown and The Oddfellows all received awards with the best overall public house award going to The Oddfellows at Pakefield.
Lord Kitchener's, Abbe House, Britten House, The Knoll at Kessingland and 18 Kirkley Cliff all received awards in the guest houses category, with best overall guest house awarded to Britten House.
The Wherry Hotel and Gunton Hall both received awards with the best overall hotel going to Gunton Hall.
Mr and Mrs Eade, in Harris Avenue, collected the best overall private garden award with other entries across Lowestoft collecting certificates.
Community awards went to Beachman's Court at Pakefield and St Margaret's Ashes Memorial Garden.
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