17 September 2009
Gold for City Gardens again – and Bunhill Fields got the
special award!
The 2009 London in Bloom awards were announced on Friday (11
September). Businesses, residents and local community groups
contributed to the displays, which brought the City alive with
flowers over the summer – and all were rewarded in this year’s
competition.
Overall, the City of London received a GOLD award in the borough
category (awarded for overall standards of horticulture,
cleanliness, bio-diversity and community participation). Judges
Toni Assirati (Royal Parks) and John Tweddle (City of Westminster)
said that “the City is an excellent example of good management in a
very small space” adding that the new landscaping scheme at Carter
Lane “exceeded all expectations”.
Chairman of the City of London Open Spaces Committee Janet Owen
said:
"I am absolutely thrilled that the City of London have once
again won the Gold award in the London Borough category. This is
thanks to the tremendous effort of the City Gardens team. The
number and range of awards handed out in this year's London in
Bloom to parks and gardens across the City (ranging from the
Barbican to the Temple Gardens) also reflects our commitment to
ensuring the Square Mile continues to have inspirational public
spaces that serve the community's needs."
Out of 18 entries from across London, the special award went to
Bunhill Fields Burial Ground. The judges commented that “Bunhill
Fields was an excellent example of involving the local community –
there was a great balance between an area to relax and the
activities which engage community people and local
schools”.
Awards presented to sites in the City:
- The Denys Hodder Shield was awarded to the Temple Gardens for
1st Place in the business category;
- Pub & Restaurant award: 2nd Place for St. Brides Tavern
(the first time that a City pub has been placed in this
category);
- Community Garden Award: 1st Place for Barbican Residents’
Window boxes and displays;
- Public Parks & Open Space award: 2nd Place for Finsbury
Circus.
Notes for editors
City Parks and Gardens:
The City of London manages over 150 gardens, churchyards, parks and
plazas across the Square Mile for the benefit of the City’s
residents, workers and visitors.
Many of the older gardens in the City have their own unique
history. The rotunda garden at West Smithfield lies over an area
which in ancient times was used for jousts, tournaments and
executions. Finsbury Circus is the oldest public park in London,
dating from 1606, and Postmans Park is home to the famous Watts
Memorial, which celebrates Londoners who gave their lives saving
others.
Press enquiries
Loretta Lui: 020 7332 1528