Colourful blooms for the judges

After hours of pruning, watering and clear dedication the fate of contributions to the 2002 competition was decided.

Committee chairman Sandra Melvin led the judges around the town's most pampered areas.

The judging panel was made up of experts Darrin Bourne, of Turfsoil Limited, Rosamond Rosenheim, of Battle Horticultural Society and Catherine Turl of Boreham Mill Nursery.

Sandra said: "It was an excellent day with quite a few surprises. I am always amazed at the different comments from the judges.

They do not always react to the gardens as you would expect, which is why it is so important to have a good mix of people judging the competition."

The Lilburn Residential Hotel, Albany Road, was proof that gardening competitions do not rely on lawns and hedgerows. The front garden is patio based, with a display of hanging baskets and flower tubs. This year's new container garden category was well represented.

Sandra said: "We had quite a few entries in the container garden category. The container garden is an interesting category because there are all sorts of ways people can depict the way they lay out their designs."

Gardeners had all to play for this year, as the town's centenary meant increased stakes, with prizes including the Bexhill in Bloom cup, certificates and money prizes as well as commemorative plaques.

The committee felt there had been a clear air of positivity surrounding the annual event.

Sandra Melvin tapped into this by encouraging businesses to sponsor flower towers and centenary planters, which have been dotted around the town.

Catherine Turl of Boreham Street Nursery was on the judging panel. She said: "I think the planters made a real difference. They were really effective and certainly brightened the place."

Garden designer Lynne Bullen is on the committee. She said:"People have really made an effort with their hanging baskets. That is something that makes a difference. I think we have had an advantage with it being jubilee year and centenary year."

The judges decisions will be announced at the prize giving at the Mermaid on August 8.