Gardeners, schools and community groups have been honoured at the Farnham in Bloom Community Awards after the town’s success in this year’s South and South East in Bloom.

Farnham Town Council hosted the celebration to recognise and thank the hundreds of people who contributed to Farnham’s winning performance at South and South East in Bloom 2025.

The Farnham in Bloom Community Awards took place at Squire’s Garden Centre, Badshot Lea, and began with the school awards.

This year’s gold winners included Highfield South Farnham School for the Best School Garden and Best Biodiversity Area, Potters Gate C of E Primary School for the Wildlife Photography Competition, and Badshot Lea Village Infant School for the Flower in a Boot category.

In total, more than 50 prizes were awarded in recognition of the role young people play in keeping Farnham blooming.

The Mayor of Farnham, Cllr George Murray, presented the prizes and said: “Schools are a vital part of Farnham in Bloom. Children, teachers and parents all contribute to Farnham’s success through their school gardens, wildlife habitats and fun competitions such as the tallest sunflower and biggest pumpkin.

“Their enthusiasm and creativity is truly inspirational.”

After the School Awards, it was time to celebrate the achievements of the wider community. Throughout the year, allotment holders, businesses, community groups, volunteers and members of the public have been making the most of their outdoor spaces. From hanging baskets and bee friendly borders to courtyards and vegetable gardens, the awards celebrated the best of the best.

Among the 2025 winners were: • Jacquie Heathcote, Best Garden • Nick Green, Best Vegetable Garden • John Ely and Pam Bonsor, Best Allotment Plot Overall • The Queen’s Head, Best Public House

Special awards were also presented to: • Libby Brayshaw (Gardener of the Year) • Les Hunt of Badshot Lea Bloomers (Litter Picker of the Year) • Libby Ralph (Biodiversity Champion of the Year) • John Negus (Mayor’s Special Award)

Commenting on the awards, Cllr Mat Brown, lead member for environment, said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to everybody who received a prize at the Farnham in Bloom Community Awards.

“We celebrated so many wonderful achievements in all types of gardening and recognised the tireless efforts of volunteers who litter pick, plant, prune and prepare the town for judging.

“These awards highlighted how Farnham in Bloom grows communities as well as flowers which contributes to the town being such a vibrant and beautiful place to live.“

Several local community organisations also received praise for their contribution to the town’s green spaces and received South and South East in Bloom Certificates of Excellence.

The Farnham in Bloom Community Awards were attended by sponsors, including Gold sponsors The Patio Black Spot Removal Company Ltd, BBS for Magimix, Cala and Squire’s Garden Centres, alongside community representatives, volunteers and prize winners.

The ceremony marked the close of the 2025 Farnham in Bloom season, with plans for 2026 already under way.

Anyone interested in volunteering or joining the Farnham in Bloom community can email [email protected].