The Yorkshire in Bloom results are in and it’s been another strong showing for West Leeds this year as Calverley won silver in the Urban Community category, writes Keely Bannister.
Calverley have been awarded gold for five out of the last six years including in 2018, but even though they couldn’t do it this time, they did receive lots of plaudits from the judges.
There was also recognition for Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills.
Calverley – Won SILVER in Urban Community category
Calverley in Bloom volunteers were praised by the judges as dedicated. The judges said the well-tended private gardens around the village showed a general feeling of pride in Calverley amongst residents.
Heritage sites within the village were given special mention, as was Victoria Park:
“The dry stone wall behind the Calverley Gate trough was of particular interest as was the carved angel in St Wilfred’s churchyard.
“The goats in the churchyard and rainwater harvesting in the Methodist Chapel were both welcome signs of sustainability.
“The jewel in the crown has to be Victoria Park. It is a great asset, sited in the centre of the village supporting many activities. The floral displays are stunning and the overall standard of maintenance is a credit to the groundsman.
“The on-going project of clearing the undergrowth to expose the sections of rock-face along Carr Lane is ambitious but the result is striking, uplifting the overall appearance of this busy road.”
Areas of consideration that were highlighted included the suggestion that perennial planting and bird boxes/bug hotels could be extended from their current locations to spread throughout the village. On the Towns Wells garden, judges noted:
“The Town Wells garden is of great historical importance to Calverley and now, following the initial clearance of much of the undergrowth, could be developed into an attractive area to visit.
“It could become an interesting project for the local Historical Society to investigate the site’s origin and to search the records to find evidence of the original planting as well as producing an accompanying information board. Herbaceous planting particularly around the upper level adjacent to the railings could be considered.”
Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills
The Colour Garden volunteers at Armley Mills won Silver in the Business & Communities section for summer 2019.
The gardening sessions help to improve mental health in collaboration with Hyde Park Source and Outdoors Active and Well. A spokesperson said:
“Our glorious gardeners keep our local community space looking lovely the whole year through.”
You can see the full results and read the judges’ comments here.